HEXCEL CORP /DE/
S-3, 1996-06-12
METAL FORGINGS & STAMPINGS
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<PAGE>
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 12, 1996
 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
                               HEXCEL CORPORATION
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
               DELAWARE                                 94-1109521
   (State or Other Jurisdiction of                   (I.R.S. Employer
    Incorporation or Organization)                 Identification No.)
</TABLE>
 
                         ------------------------------
 
                               TWO STAMFORD PLAZA
                             281 TRESSER BOULEVARD
                        STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06901-3238
                                 (203) 969-0666
  (Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of
                   Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)
                         ------------------------------
 
                               STEPHEN C. FORSYTH
              SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
                               HEXCEL CORPORATION
                               TWO STAMFORD PLAZA
                             281 TRESSER BOULEVARD
                        STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06901-3238
                                 (203) 969-0666
 (Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code,
                             of Agent for Service)
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
      GREGORY A. FERNICOLA, ESQ.                 KRIS F. HEINZELMAN, ESQ.
 SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM            CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE
           919 THIRD AVENUE                          WORLDWIDE PLAZA
       NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022                     825 EIGHTH AVENUE
            (212) 735-3000                       NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
                                                      (212) 474-1000
</TABLE>
 
                         ------------------------------
 
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
                         ------------------------------
 
    If  the  only securities  being registered  on this  Form are  being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the  following
box. / /
 
    If  any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to  Rule 415 under the Securities Act  of
1933,  as amended (the "Securities Act"),  other than securities offered only in
connection with dividend  or interest  reinvestment plans,  check the  following
box. / /
 
    If  this Form  is filed  to register  additional securities  for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list  the  Securities  Act  registration statement  number  of  the  earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / /
 
    If  this Form  is a post-effective  amendment filed pursuant  to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act,  check the following box  and list the Securities  Act
registration  statement number  of the earlier  effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /
 
    If delivery of the prospectus  is expected to be  made pursuant to Rule  434
under the Securities Act, please check the following box. / /
                         ------------------------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      PROPOSED MAXIMUM
                                                                 PROPOSED MAXIMUM         AGGREGATE
           TITLE OF EACH CLASS                AMOUNT TO BE        OFFERING PRICE          OFFERING             AMOUNT OF
     OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED          REGISTERED (1)        PER UNIT (2)         PRICE (1)(2)       REGISTRATION FEE
<S>                                        <C>                  <C>                  <C>                  <C>
                                              $115,000,000
   % Convertible Subordinated Notes Due         aggregate
 2003 (the "Notes")......................   principal amount           100%             $115,000,000            $39,655
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share...          (3)                 $-0-                 $-0-                 $-0-
</TABLE>
 
(1)  Includes  $15,000,000 aggregate  principal amount  of  the Notes  which the
    Underwriters have the option to purchase to cover overallotments, if any.
 
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
 
(3) Such undetermined number of shares as  may be issued upon conversion of  the
    Notes.
                         ------------------------------
 
    THE  REGISTRANT HEREBY  AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON  SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A  FURTHER  AMENDMENT  WHICH SPECIFICALLY  STATES  THAT  THIS  REGISTRATION
STATEMENT  SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN  ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON
SUCH DATE  AS  THE  COMMISSION,  ACTING  PURSUANT  TO  SAID  SECTION  8(A),  MAY
DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
    This  Registration  Statement  contains  certain  information  regarding the
Company's proposed acquisition of the Hercules Composites Business (as defined),
which is scheduled to be consummated on or about June 30, 1996. It is  currently
expected  that the  closing of the  offering contemplated hereby  will not occur
until  such  acquisition  has  been  consummated.  Accordingly,  the  discussion
contained  in this Registration Statement  assumes that the proposed acquisition
of  the  Hercules  Composites  Business  has  occurred.  However,  the  offering
contemplated  hereby is not  conditioned on the closing  of such acquisition. If
such acquisition is not consummated, this Registration Statement will be amended
accordingly.
<PAGE>
INFORMATION   CONTAINED  HEREIN  IS  SUBJECT   TO  COMPLETION  OR  AMENDMENT.  A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT  RELATING TO  THESE SECURITIES  HAS BEEN  FILED WITH  THE
SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES  MAY NOT BE  SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR  TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT  BECOMES
EFFECTIVE.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  SHALL  NOT  CONSTITUTE AN  OFFER  TO  SELL  OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE  SECURITIES
IN  ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,  SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JUNE 12, 1996
                                  $100,000,000
                               Hexcel Corporation
 
                     % Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2003
 
INTEREST PAYABLE        AND                                   DUE         , 2003
                                 --------------
 
THE     % CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2003 (THE "NOTES") ARE  CONVERTIBLE
INTO  COMMON STOCK OF HEXCEL  CORPORATION (THE "COMPANY") AT  ANY TIME ON OR
    BEFORE            , 2003, UNLESS PREVIOUSLY REDEEMED, AT A CONVERSION
       PRICE OF $   PER SHARE, SUBJECT TO ADJUSTMENT IN CERTAIN EVENTS.
            ON JUNE 11, 1996,  THE LAST REPORTED  SALE PRICE OF  THE
            COMMON  STOCK ON  THE NEW  YORK STOCK  EXCHANGE WAS
                 $15 5/8  PER SHARE.  SEE "DESCRIPTION  OF
                                NOTES -- CONVERSION
                                    RIGHTS."
 
THE  NOTES ARE REDEEMABLE, IN WHOLE OR IN  PART, AT THE OPTION OF THE COMPANY AT
ANY TIME ON OR AFTER               , 1999, AT  THE REDEMPTION PRICES SET  FORTH
 HEREIN  PLUS ACCRUED  INTEREST. UPON A  CHANGE IN CONTROL  (AS DEFINED), EACH
  HOLDER OF  NOTES WILL  HAVE THE  RIGHT, SUBJECT  TO CERTAIN  CONDITIONS  AND
  RESTRICTIONS,  TO REQUIRE THE COMPANY TO REPURCHASE ANY OR ALL OUTSTANDING
    NOTES OWNED  BY SUCH  HOLDER AT  100% OF  THEIR PRINCIPAL  AMOUNT  PLUS
     ACCRUED   INTEREST.  SEE   "DESCRIPTION  OF  NOTES."   THE  NOTES  ARE
     SUBORDINATED TO  ALL  PRESENT  AND  FUTURE  SENIOR  INDEBTEDNESS  (AS
      DEFINED)  OF THE  COMPANY. AS OF  MARCH 31, 1996,  AFTER GIVING PRO
       FORMA EFFECT TO THE OFFERING OF THE NOTES CONTEMPLATED HEREBY  AND
       THE  APPLICATION OF THE NET  PROCEEDS THEREFROM, THE COMPANY WOULD
       HAVE HAD  OUTSTANDING APPROXIMATELY  $175.2 MILLION  OF  SENIOR
          INDEBTEDNESS. APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE TO LIST THE NOTES ON
           THE  NEW YORK STOCK  EXCHANGE. IF SO  APPROVED, TRADING OF
           THE NOTES IS EXPECTED TO        COMMENCE WITHIN A 30-DAY
                       PERIOD AFTER THE INITIAL DELIVERY.
                                 --------------
 
FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH
      AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES, SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 12.
                                 -------------
 
THESE SECURITIES  HAVE  NOT  BEEN  APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED  BY  THE  SECURITIES
   AND   EXCHANGE  COMMISSION   OR  ANY   STATE  SECURITIES   COMMISSION  NOR
      HAS  THE   SECURITIES  AND   EXCHANGE   COMMISSION  OR   ANY   STATE
        SECURITIES   COMMISSION   PASSED  UPON   THE  ACCURACY   OR  AD-
             EQUACY  OF   THIS   PROSPECTUS.   ANY   REPRESENTATION
                 TO   THE  CONTRARY  IS   A  CRIMINAL  OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             UNDERWRITING
                                                            PRICE TO         DISCOUNTS AND       PROCEEDS TO
                                                            PUBLIC(1)         COMMISSIONS       COMPANY(1)(2)
                                                        -----------------  -----------------  -----------------
<S>                                                     <C>                <C>                <C>
PER NOTE..............................................          %                  %                  %
TOTAL (3).............................................          $                  $                  $
</TABLE>
 
(1) PLUS ACCRUED INTEREST, IF ANY, FROM            , 1996.
 
(2) BEFORE DEDUCTING EXPENSES PAYABLE BY COMPANY ESTIMATED AT $700,000.
 
(3) THE COMPANY HAS GRANTED THE UNDERWRITERS AN OPTION, EXERCISABLE FOR 30  DAYS
    FROM  THE DATE OF  THE INITIAL PUBLIC  OFFERING OF THE  NOTES, TO PURCHASE A
    MAXIMUM OF  $15,000,000  ADDITIONAL  PRINCIPAL AMOUNT  OF  NOTES,  TO  COVER
    OVER-ALLOTMENTS.  IF SUCH  OPTION IS EXERCISED  IN FULL, THE  TOTAL PRICE TO
    PUBLIC WILL BE  $        ,  UNDERWRITING DISCOUNTS AND  COMMISSIONS WILL  BE
    $      AND PROCEEDS TO COMPANY WILL BE $      . SEE "UNDERWRITING".
                                 --------------
 
    THE  NOTES ARE OFFERED BY THE SEVERAL UNDERWRITERS WHEN, AS AND IF ISSUED BY
THE COMPANY, DELIVERED TO AND ACCEPTED BY THE UNDERWRITERS AND SUBJECT TO  THEIR
RIGHT  TO REJECT ORDERS IN WHOLE OR IN PART. IT IS EXPECTED THAT DELIVERY OF THE
NOTES, IN DEFINITIVE FULLY REGISTERED FORM, WILL BE MADE ON  OR ABOUT          ,
1996 AGAINST PAYMENT IN IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE FUNDS.
 
CS First Boston                                         Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.
 
               THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS            , 1996.
<PAGE>
                                 --------------
 
    IN  CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICES OF THE NOTES  OFFERED
HEREBY  AND THE  COMMON STOCK OF  THE COMPANY  AT LEVELS ABOVE  THAT WHICH MIGHT
OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET.  SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON  THE
NEW  YORK  STOCK  EXCHANGE,  THE  PACIFIC  STOCK  EXCHANGE  OR  OTHERWISE.  SUCH
STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
    DURING THIS OFFERING, CERTAIN PERSONS AFFILIATED WITH PERSONS  PARTICIPATING
IN THE DISTRIBUTION MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS FOR THEIR OWN ACCOUNTS OR FOR THE
ACCOUNTS  OF OTHERS IN THE NOTES PURSUANT  TO EXEMPTIONS FROM RULES 10B-6, 10B-7
AND 10B-8 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE  ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED (THE  "EXCHANGE
ACT").
 
    No person has been authorized in connection with any offering made hereby to
give  any information or to make  any representations other than those contained
in this Prospectus and,  if given or made,  such information or  representations
must  not  be  relied upon  as  having been  authorized  by the  Company  or any
underwriter or agent. This  Prospectus does not constitute  an offer to sell  or
the  solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities to
which it relates or  any offer to sell  or the solicitation of  an offer to  buy
such  securities in  any circumstances  in which  such offer  or solicitation is
unlawful. Neither the  delivery of  this Prospectus  nor any  sale hereunder  or
thereunder  shall,  under any  circumstances,  create any  implication  that the
information contained herein or therein is correct as of any time subsequent  to
the date hereof and thereof.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
    The  Company is  subject to the  informational requirements  of the Exchange
Act, and, in  accordance therewith,  files reports, proxy  statements and  other
information  with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The
Registration Statement, including the exhibits and schedules thereto, as well as
such reports, proxy statements and other  information filed by the Company  with
the  Commission, may be inspected and  copied at the public reference facilities
of the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.  20549,
and  at the Commission's regional  offices at 7 World  Trade Center, 13th Floor,
New York, New  York 10048 and  Citicorp Center, 500  West Madison Street,  Suite
1400,  Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such material may be obtained from the
Public  Reference  Section  of  the  Commission  at  450  Fifth  Street,   N.W.,
Washington,  D.C.  20549  at  prescribed  rates.  In  addition,  reports,  proxy
statements and other information concerning the Company may be inspected at  the
offices  of the New  York Stock Exchange,  Inc., 20 Broad  Street, New York, New
York 10005, and at the offices  of the Pacific Stock Exchange Incorporated,  301
Pine Street, San Francisco, California 94104.
 
    This  Prospectus constitutes part  of a Registration  Statement filed by the
Company under the  Securities Act of  1933, as amended  (the "Securities  Act").
This  Prospectus omits certain of the  information contained in the Registration
Statement, and the exhibits and schedules thereto, in accordance with the  rules
and regulations of the Commission. For further information regarding the Company
and  the Notes offered  hereby, reference is made  to the Registration Statement
and the exhibits  and schedules  filed therewith. Statements  contained in  this
Prospectus  as to  the provisions of  any contract, agreement  or other document
referred to herein are not necessarily complete, and in each instance, reference
is made to the  copy of such  document filed as an  exhibit to the  Registration
Statement  or  otherwise  filed  with the  Commission.  Each  such  statement is
qualified in its entirety by such reference.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
    The following documents have been filed  with the Commission by the  Company
(Commission  File No. 1-8472) pursuant to the  Exchange Act and are, as of their
respective dates,  incorporated  by  reference  in  and  made  a  part  of  this
Prospectus:
 
    (1)  the Company's  Annual Report  on Form  10-K for  the fiscal  year ended
       December 31, 1995;
 
    (2) the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
       March 31, 1996;
 
    (3) the Company's Proxy  Statement for the Meeting  of Stockholders held  on
       February 21, 1996;
 
    (4)  the Company's Proxy  Statement for the Meeting  of Stockholders held on
       May 23, 1996;
 
    (5) the  Company's Current  Report on  Form  8-K dated  March 15,  1996,  as
       amended on Form 8-K/A dated April 1, 1996; and
 
    (6)  the description of the Company's common stock, par value $.01 per share
       (the "Common Stock"), contained  in the Company's Registration  Statement
       on  Form 8-B,  dated March  31, 1983,  including any  amendment or report
       filed for the purpose of updating such description.
 
    All documents filed by the Company  with the Commission pursuant to  Section
13(a),  13(c), 14 or  15(d) of the Exchange  Act subsequent to  the date of this
Prospectus and prior to the termination  of the offering of the Notes  hereunder
shall  be deemed  to be  incorporated by  reference herein  and shall  be a part
hereof from the date of filing of  such documents. Any statement contained in  a
document  incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be
deemed to  be modified  or superseded  for purposes  of this  Prospectus to  the
extent  that a  statement contained  herein or  in any  other subsequently filed
document which  also is  or is  deemed to  be incorporated  by reference  herein
modifies  or  supersedes  such  statement. Any  such  statement  so  modified or
superseded shall  not  be  deemed,  except as  so  modified  or  superseded,  to
constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
    Copies  of all documents  which are incorporated  by reference herein (other
than exhibits to such documents not specifically incorporated by reference) will
be provided without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus is  delivered,
upon  written  or  oral request.  Such  requests  should be  directed  to Hexcel
Corporation, Two Stamford  Plaza, 281 Tresser  Boulevard, Stamford,  Connecticut
06901, Attention: Corporate Secretary, telephone number (203) 969-0666.
 
    The Company's principal executive offices are located at Two Stamford Plaza,
281  Tresser  Boulevard, Stamford,  Connecticut  06901. The  Company's telephone
number is (203) 969-0666.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY, AND SHOULD BE READ IN
CONJUNCTION  WITH,  THE  MORE  DETAILED  INFORMATION  AND  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS,
INCLUDING THE NOTES THERETO, INCLUDED ELSEWHERE  IN THIS PROSPECTUS. AS USED  IN
THIS  PROSPECTUS, REFERENCES TO THE "COMPANY" AND "HEXCEL" REFER TO THE BUSINESS
OF HEXCEL CORPORATION (INCLUDING ITS OPERATING DIVISIONS AND, UNLESS THE CONTEXT
OTHERWISE REQUIRES,  THE  CIBA  COMPOSITES BUSINESS  (AS  DEFINED)  ACQUIRED  ON
FEBRUARY  29, 1996 AND THE HERCULES COMPOSITES BUSINESS (AS DEFINED) ACQUIRED ON
JUNE   , 1996) AND  ITS SUBSIDIARIES. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, INDUSTRY  DATA
CONTAINED  HEREIN IS DERIVED FROM PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INDUSTRY SOURCES, WHICH THE
COMPANY  HAS  NOT  INDEPENDENTLY  VERIFIED.  SEE  "GLOSSARY  OF  TERMS"  FOR  AN
EXPLANATION  OF CERTAIN TERMS USED IN  THIS PROSPECTUS. SUCH TERMS APPEAR HEREIN
IN BOLD  TYPE THE  FIRST TIME  THEY ARE  USED. UNLESS  OTHERWISE INDICATED,  ALL
INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS PROSPECTUS ASSUMES THE UNDERWRITERS' OVER-ALLOTMENT
OPTION  IS  NOT  EXERCISED.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  CONTAINS  CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS WHICH INVOLVE RISKS AND  UNCERTAINTIES. THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL  RESULTS
COULD  DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM  THE RESULTS ANTICIPATED  IN THESE FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS DUE TO,  AMONG OTHER THINGS,  CERTAIN FACTORS SET  FORTH UNDER  "RISK
FACTORS" AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
GENERAL
 
    Hexcel  is a leading international manufacturer and marketer of lightweight,
high performance COMPOSITE  MATERIALS, parts and  STRUCTURES for the  aerospace,
defense,  recreation  and  general industrial  markets.  The  Company's products
include CARBON FIBER, woven  synthetic fabrics, HONEYCOMB, PREPREGS,  ADHESIVES,
and  a wide  variety of  lightweight, high  strength semi-finished  and finished
structural components. With 19 manufacturing facilities in the United States and
Europe, management  believes that  Hexcel  is positioned  to take  advantage  of
opportunities for growth worldwide. The Company's manufacturing capabilities are
integrated  across  product lines  enabling it  to offer  a breadth  of products
spanning the composites  industry. The  Company operates  through the  following
five  core businesses, presented in order  of manufacturing integration from raw
materials to finished products:
 
    - FIBERS.  The Company  manufactures PAN based  carbon fibers primarily  for
      sale  to customers and also for use in its Fabrics and Composite Materials
      businesses. The Company supplies high performance carbon fibers for a wide
      variety of applications  in the commercial  aerospace, space and  defense,
      recreation  and  general industrial  markets  predominantly in  the United
      States. The principal end uses for carbon fibers are as raw materials  for
      prepregs  and fabrics, in  FILAMENT WINDING for  various space and defense
      and industrial applications  and in fiber  placement to produce  composite
      structures.
 
    - FABRICS.    The Company  is a  leading  manufacturer of  woven FIBERGLASS,
      carbon and ARAMID fiber REINFORCEMENTS  for composite materials and  other
      applications  worldwide. In  the United States,  the Company  is a leading
      weaver of aramid fibers and, in Europe, the Company is a leading weaver of
      high performance fiberglass  fabrics. The principal  end uses for  fabrics
      are  in  composite  materials,  printed  circuit  boards,  window  blinds,
      insulation and soft body armor such as bullet proof vests.
 
    - COMPOSITE MATERIALS.  The Company is an innovative leader worldwide in the
      manufacture of honeycomb,  prepregs, film adhesive  products and  SANDWICH
      PANEL  products. Although each of these  products is sold primarily to the
      commercial aerospace and space  and defense markets,  the Company has  led
      the  development  of  new  applications  for  composite  materials  in the
      recreation market and is developing additional applications for use in the
      transit, marine and other industrial  markets. The principal end uses  for
      composite  materials are components for  commercial and military aircraft,
      munitions, high-speed and mass transit trains and recreation applications,
      including golf clubs, skis and snowboards.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
    - SPECIAL PROCESS.  The Company engineers, manufactures and markets machined
      and fabricated honeycomb parts for use in commercial aerospace, space  and
      defense,  automotive and  other applications  to meet  customers' specific
      design requirements. This core business provides value-added processing to
      standard honeycomb manufactured by the Company by contouring and machining
      it into  complex  shapes.  The  principal end  uses  for  SPECIAL  PROCESS
      products  are  semi-finished  aerospace  components  and  aircraft control
      surfaces such as flaps and wing tips.
 
    - STRUCTURES  AND  INTERIORS.     The  Company   manufactures  and   markets
      lightweight,  high strength structures and  INTERIORS primarily for use in
      the  aerospace  industry.  The  principal  end  uses  for  structures  and
      interiors  are wing-to-body FAIRINGS, flap track fairings, RADOMES, engine
      COWLS and interior systems such as overhead stowage bins for aircraft.
 
STRATEGIC REPOSITIONING
 
    BACKGROUND
 
    During the mid to late  1980's, composites companies, including Hexcel,  the
Ciba Composites Business and the Hercules Composites Business, invested in rapid
capacity  expansion  to  respond  to the  anticipated  growth  in  both military
procurement programs and the commercial aircraft  industry. With the end of  the
Cold  War  in 1989  and  the resulting  rapid  reduction in  defense procurement
expenditures in the United  States and Europe, sales  to the military  aerospace
and  defense  sectors  declined rapidly.  In  addition, under  the  influence of
deregulation and various other factors including a general economic downturn and
the Gulf War, the commercial airline industry experienced significant losses  in
the early 1990's, which in turn led to reduced investment in new aircraft. These
changes in the principal markets for composite materials left significant excess
capacity   in  the  industry,  resulting  in  significant  losses  for  industry
participants, including the Company.
 
    As a result of these market circumstances, as well as debt incurred to build
capacity in the late 1980's, the Company experienced a liquidity crisis in  1993
and  sought protection  under chapter 11  of the U.S.  Bankruptcy Code ("Chapter
11") by  filing a  voluntary petition  for relief  in December  1993. Under  the
leadership  of John J. Lee, who joined the  Company as Chairman of the Board and
Co-Chief Executive Officer  shortly before  the Chapter 11  filing, the  Company
adopted  and executed a  plan to reposition  itself by consolidating facilities,
divesting non-core  businesses  and reducing  costs  in an  attempt  to  restore
profitability and positive cash flow. In connection with this repositioning, the
Company successfully implemented a consolidation of its operations, restructured
its  balance  sheet and  obtained  new equity  and  debt financing.  When Hexcel
emerged from Chapter 11 all creditors'  claims were reinstated or paid in  full,
including interest.
 
    STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS
 
    Upon  emerging  from  Chapter 11  in  February  1995, the  Company  began to
implement a  strategy  to lead  the  consolidation of  the  composite  materials
industry  by  removing excess  capacity and,  in  the process,  diversifying and
strengthening its existing businesses. On February 29, 1996, Hexcel acquired the
Ciba Composites Business (the "Ciba Acquisition") for aggregate consideration of
approximately $203.1 million, subject to  post-closing adjustments, and on  June
  ,  1996,  Hexcel  acquired  the Hercules  Composites  Business  (the "Hercules
Acquisition")  for  a  cash  purchase  price  of  approximately  $135   million,
(excluding  transaction  costs) subject  to  post-closing adjustments.  The Ciba
Acquisition combined two of  the world's leading  and most technically  advanced
composite  materials companies, broadening  the Company's range  of products and
markets, enhancing its research, development and technological capabilities  and
balancing  the  geographical scope  of its  business.  As a  result of  the Ciba
Acquisition,  Ciba-Geigy  Limited  ("Ciba")  became  the  beneficial  owner   of
approximately  49.8%  of the  Company's outstanding  Common Stock.  The Hercules
Acquisition combined  two leading  prepreg manufacturers,  with few  overlapping
products  and  qualifications  between  their product  lines,  and  provided the
Company with a manufacturing facility for one of its significant raw  materials,
PAN based carbon fibers.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
    STRUCTURAL REORGANIZATION AND CONSOLIDATION PROGRAM
 
    In  May 1996, the Company announced  a program to consolidate its operations
over a period  of approximately  three years. The  total cost  of this  program,
which  excludes  additional  costs and  expenses  that  may be  incurred  due to
modifications to the program that may  result from the Hercules Acquisition,  is
estimated  to be approximately $49 million.  This estimate includes $5.2 million
of expenses incurred  in the  first quarter of  1996, an  estimated $32  million
charge  against earnings expected to  be incurred in the  second quarter of 1996
and approximately $12  million to  be recognized  thereafter. Cash  expenditures
necessary  to  complete the  program are  estimated  to total  approximately $44
million, net of expected  proceeds from asset  sales. Management estimates  that
the program will result in annual cost savings of approximately $28 million when
it  is fully  implemented in 1999,  and that  for the period  1996 through 1998,
costs associated with the program (net  of estimated proceeds from asset  sales)
are expected to equal the incremental cash savings generated by the program. The
foregoing   estimates  of  total   cost  of  the   consolidation  program,  cash
expenditures and annual cost savings constitute forward-looking information. The
failure of any of the assumptions  underlying such estimates to be realized  may
cause  the  actual amounts  to differ  materially from  the estimates  set forth
above. For a discussion  of these assumptions and  other important factors  that
will  affect actual  amounts, see  "Risk Factors  -- Forward-Looking Statements;
Consolidation Program."
 
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
 
    The Company believes that the  recent measures undertaken to reorganize  its
operations,  reduce costs and increase  geographic, market and product diversity
enhance the Company's key competitive advantages:
 
    - MARKET LEADER.    The  Company  has  long  been  a  leading  international
      manufacturer  of lightweight,  high strength  fabrics, composite materials
      and parts and structures. Management  believes the Company is the  largest
      integrated  producer of diversified composite materials in the world based
      on pro forma net  sales of approximately $771  million for the year  ended
      December 31, 1995. See "Pro Forma Financial Information."
 
    - BROADEST  RANGE OF QUALIFICATIONS  IN THE AEROSPACE  INDUSTRY.  Management
      believes Hexcel has the broadest range of QUALIFICATIONS of any  composite
      materials  manufacturer  in the  aerospace  industry and  is  QUALIFIED on
      several programs  which have  significant opportunities  for growth.  Such
      programs  include  the  Boeing  777  and  737x,  the  Airbus  A320  series
      (including A319  and  A321)  and  A330  and  the  McDonnell  Douglas  C-17
      transport.  Before composite  materials may  be utilized  in aerospace and
      military applications, they must be qualified, which is both expensive and
      time consuming.  See  "Business --  Markets  and Customers."  The  Company
      believes  its  extensive qualifications  position it  to remain  a leading
      supplier of composite materials to the aerospace industry.
 
    - VERTICAL INTEGRATION.    Management  believes  the  Company  is  the  most
      vertically  integrated  composite  materials  manufacturer  in  the world.
      Vertical integration  provides  the  Company with  a  greater  ability  to
      control  the cost,  quality and  delivery of  its products.  Moreover, the
      Company has  the unique  ability  to manufacture  and sell  products  from
      various  points in  its manufacturing  process, thereby  providing overall
      materials solutions  to its  customers and  strengthening its  competitive
      position. See "Business -- Manufacturing Process and Raw Materials."
 
    - MARKET  AND GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY.  Approximately 53% of Hexcel's pro forma
      net sales  for the  year ended  December 31,  1995 were  derived from  the
      commercial  aerospace  industry,  11%  from space  and  defense,  12% from
      recreation products (including golf shafts, skis, snowboards, fishing rods
      and tennis rackets)  and 24%  from general  industrial markets  (including
      printed  circuit  boards, window  blinds and  high-speed and  mass transit
      trains). Management believes that this market and product mix reduces  the
      Company's   exposure  to  business  cycles  in  the  commercial  aerospace
      industry. In  addition,  the  Ciba  Acquisition  enabled  the  Company  to
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
      balance  the geographic  scope of its  business between  North America and
      Europe, providing it with an increased presence at Airbus, and to build  a
      presence  in  the  rapidly  growing  Asia-Pacific  aerospace  market.  See
      "Business -- Core Business" and "-- Sales and Marketing."
 
    - STRONG  TECHNICAL  SUPPORT.    The  Company  has  been  a  leader  in  the
      development   of  technology  and  commercial  application  for  composite
      materials for  over 50  years. The  Company's technically  oriented  sales
      force  works  with new  and existing  customers  to identify  and engineer
      solutions to  meet customers'  needs,  particularly by  identifying  areas
      where  composite materials may beneficially replace traditional materials.
      Through both  its research  and technology  function and  its  proprietary
      skills  in resin formulation and woven  reinforcement, the Company has the
      technical capability to provide its customers with "make to order"  custom
      products.  A recent example of the Company's ability to engineer solutions
      for its customers  is the  development of  carbon core  honeycomb for  jet
      engine  NACELLES.  This product  replaces traditional  aluminum materials,
      that can corrode in the extreme environment of an aircraft engine, with  a
      material that is both stronger and lighter and conducts heat away from the
      engine.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
    To  maintain its position  as a leading  worldwide manufacturer of composite
materials,  parts  and  structures,  the  Company  has  adopted  the   following
strategies:
 
    - CAPITALIZE ON GROWTH IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY.  The Company believes that
      demand  for commercial aircraft, and therefore composite materials, should
      be favorably influenced by the following trends that have been  identified
      in  industry reports:  (i) a significant  increase in air  travel over the
      next ten  years, (ii)  the higher  utilization of  composite materials  on
      state-of-the-art  aircraft, such as the Boeing 777, (iii) the acceleration
      of new aircraft deliveries as a result of government noise regulations and
      (iv) expected increases in aircraft fleet size during the next decade. The
      Company expects to capitalize on these  trends by continuing to produce  a
      wide  variety  of  composite  materials  for  use  in  the  manufacture of
      virtually every commercial aircraft in the western world. "See Business --
      Markets and Customers."
 
    - CONTINUE TO CONTROL COSTS AND IMPROVE MANUFACTURING
      EFFICIENCIES.  Management  is committed  to reducing  costs and  improving
      manufacturing    efficiencies   through   consolidation   and   structural
      reorganization.  Prior  to  giving  effect   to  the  Ciba  and   Hercules
      Acquisitions,  the  Company  (i) consolidated  operations  by  closing one
      plant, partially closing a second one  and selling a third, (ii) sold  its
      non-core  resins  and specialty  chemicals  businesses, (iii)  reduced the
      number of its employees  by approximately 30%,  and (iv) reduced  selling,
      general  and administrative costs from $62  million in 1992 to $49 million
      in 1995. In addition, in the  first half of 1996, the Company  reorganized
      its  organizational  structure into  five core  businesses focused  on key
      products and markets, and the  Company announced a business  consolidation
      program  which  is expected  to result  in  continued cost  reductions and
      manufacturing efficiencies. See "Business -- Strategic Repositioning."
 
    - STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS AND ALLIANCES.   In order  to (i) enhance  Hexcel's
      integrated manufacturing capabilities, (ii) expand its geographic base and
      (iii)  optimize  its portfolio  of  products and  businesses,  the Company
      intends to  continue to  complement its  product lines  through  strategic
      acquisitions  or  alliances.  As a  result  of the  Ciba  Acquisition, the
      Company is positioned to take  advantage of the trend towards  outsourcing
      production  of  structures and  interiors  through alliances.  The Company
      reviews its portfolio of products  and businesses regularly in  connection
      with  its  efforts to  identify  appropriate strategic  opportunities. See
      "Risk Factors -- Strategic Acquisitions and Alliances."
 
    - ENHANCE CUSTOMER SERVICE.  The Company continually seeks to strengthen and
      expand its relationships with customers by capitalizing on its  vertically
      integrated  manufacturing capabilities and technical  support. As a highly
      integrated manufacturer of composite materials, Hexcel has the flexibility
      and capability to  meet the various  needs of its  customers. The  Company
      also
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
      has  the  technical  capability  to assist  customers  in  the  design and
      manufacture of  composite materials  for specialty  applications,  thereby
      further   strengthening  customer   relationships.  For   example,  Hexcel
      engineers work  with  Reebok-Registered Trademark-  to  develop  composite
      supports  for athletic  shoes and  with a  customer's engineers  to design
      composite turbofan blades for aircraft engines. Hexcel intends to leverage
      its integrated capabilities to serve a customer base which is increasingly
      favoring suppliers who have the ability to satisfy all of their  composite
      materials requirements.
 
    - PENETRATE  NEW MARKETS.   The Company  strives to  maintain its leadership
      position in the development of innovative composite materials applications
      in an attempt to  expand its revenue  base. Although commercial  aerospace
      remains  the largest market for composite materials, the Company continues
      to  penetrate  recreation  and   general  industrial  markets,   providing
      composite  materials for a variety of  applications, and plans to continue
      developing applications for  new markets. See  "Competitive Advantages  --
      Market  and  Geographic  Diversity."  The  Company  also  expects  to take
      advantage of developing markets by expanding its operations in the rapidly
      growing Asia-Pacific region.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>
Notes Offered...........  $100,000,000 aggregate  principal  amount  ($115,000,000  if  the
                          over-  allotment option is exercised in full) of    % Convertible
                          Subordinated Notes Due 2003.
 
Maturity Date...........  , 2003.
 
Interest Payment Dates..  and         of each year commencing              , 1996.
 
Conversion Rights.......  The Notes are convertible, at the holder's option, into shares of
                          Common Stock,  at  any  time  at  or  prior  to  maturity  unless
                          previously redeemed, at a conversion price of $        per share,
                          subject  to adjustment in certain events as described herein. See
                          "Description of Notes -- Conversion Rights."
 
Optional Redemption.....  The Notes are  not redeemable prior  to                  ,  1999.
                          Thereafter, the Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the
                          option of the Company, at the redemption prices set forth herein,
                          plus  accrued and unpaid interest to  the date of redemption. See
                          "Description  of  Notes  --  Redemption  at  the  Option  of  the
                          Company."
 
Change of Control.......  Upon  a Change of Control, each holder of a Note (a "Holder" or a
                          "Noteholder") may  require the  Company to  repurchase the  Notes
                          held  by such Holder at 100% of the principal amount thereof plus
                          accrued interest to the date  of repurchase. See "Description  of
                          Notes  -- Repurchase of Notes at the  Option of the Holder Upon a
                          Change of Control."
 
Subordination...........  The Notes will  constitute general unsecured  obligations of  the
                          Company  and will be  subordinated to all  Senior Indebtedness of
                          the Company. As of March 31, 1996, after giving pro forma  effect
                          to   the  Offering  and  the  application  of  the  net  proceeds
                          therefrom,  the  Company  would  have  had  approximately  $175.2
                          million of Senior Indebtedness outstanding. See "Capitalization."
                          The  Indenture (as defined) will not  restrict the Company or any
                          of  its  subsidiaries  from  incurring  additional   indebtedness
                          (including   Senior  Indebtedness)  or   other  obligations.  See
                          "Description of Notes -- Subordination of Notes."
 
Sinking Fund............  None.
 
Use of Proceeds.........  The net  proceeds  of the  Offering  are estimated  to  be  $96.6
                          million  ($111.1  million  if  the  Underwriters'  over-allotment
                          option is exercised in full). The Company intends to use the  net
                          proceeds   to  repay  outstanding  borrowings  under  the  Credit
                          Facility (as defined). See "Use of Proceeds."
 
Listing.................  The Company has applied to have the Notes approved for listing on
                          the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE").
 
Common Stock Symbol.....  The Common Stock  is listed  on the  NYSE and  the Pacific  Stock
                          Exchange (the "PSE") under the symbol "HXL."
</TABLE>
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    Prospective  purchasers  of  the  Notes should  consider  carefully  all the
information set forth in this Prospectus and, in particular, should evaluate the
specific factors set forth  under the caption "Risk  Factors" before making  any
investment in the Notes.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
                 SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
 
    The  following tables present summary financial  and other data with respect
to the  Company,  the  Ciba  Composites Business  and  the  Hercules  Composites
Business  and  has  been derived  from  (i) the  audited  consolidated financial
statements of the Company as of and for the four years ended December 31,  1995,
and  from  the  unaudited  condensed consolidated  financial  statements  of the
Company as of and for the quarters ended March 31, 1996 and April 2, 1995,  (ii)
the  audited combined financial statements of the Ciba Composites Business as of
and for the  three years  ended December 31,  1995 (iii)  the audited  financial
statements  of the Hercules  Composites Business as  of and for  the three years
ended December 31,  1995 and (iv)  the pro forma  financial statements  included
elsewhere  in  this Prospectus  which give  effect to  (a) the  Ciba Acquisition
(including the Danutec Closing (as  defined)), (b) the initial borrowings  under
the  Credit Facility, (c) the  Offering and the application  of the net proceeds
therefrom to repay  borrowings under the  Credit Facility and  (d) the  Hercules
Acquisition.  The summary financial and other data for the Company as of and for
the quarters ended March 31,  1996 and April 2,  1995 is derived from  unaudited
financial  statements which, in the opinion of the Company's management, include
all adjustments necessary  for the  fair presentation of  such information.  The
information  set forth below should be  read together with the other information
contained under the captions "Capitalization," "Selected Consolidated  Financial
Information," "Pro Forma Financial Information" and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations"  and  with the
consolidated financial  statements  and  the  related  notes  thereto,  included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
THE COMPANY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           HISTORICAL
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------------------    PRO FORMA
                                                                                                          ------------
                         FOR THE QUARTER ENDED                                                              FOR THE
                                                                                                            QUARTER
                         ---------------------              FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                  ENDED
                         MARCH 31,   APRIL 2,    ------------------------------------------------------    MARCH 31,
                         1996 (A)      1995        1995          1994           1993           1992           1996
                         ---------   ---------   ---------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ------------
                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA:
  Net sales............  $126,418    $  85,155   $ 350,238   $    313,795   $    310,635   $    352,987   $198,923
  Gross margin.........    26,783       14,795      67,090         48,428         47,545         67,899     40,206
  Gross margin
   percentage..........      21.2%        17.4%       19.2%          15.4%          15.3%          19.2%      20.2%
  Business acquisition
   and consolidation
   expenses (b)........    (5,211)      --          --            --             (46,600)       (23,000)    (5,211)
  Other income
   (expense)...........     2,697       --             791          4,861        (12,780)         2,992      1,573
  Operating income
   (loss)..............     6,787        2,629      18,557          7,504        (64,345)       (14,162)     9,968
  Bankruptcy
   reorganization
   expenses............     --          (2,125)     (3,361)       (20,152)          (641)       --           --
  Income (loss) from
   continuing
   operations..........     1,848       (2,369)      3,201        (28,080)       (79,872)       (15,983)     1,792
  Income (loss) per
   share from
   continuing
   operations..........  $   0.07    $   (0.27)  $    0.20   $      (3.84)  $     (10.89)  $      (2.20)  $   0.05
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT
 PERIOD END):
  Working capital......  $137,599    $  22,627   $  61,570   $    (22,955)  $     61,745   $     80,696   $174,747
  Total assets.........   485,725      231,626     230,602        243,457        263,242        310,660    661,779
  Short-term debt
   (including current
   portion of long-term
   debt)...............     6,809       33,616       1,802         56,918         24,596         22,216     11,924
  Long-term debt.......   138,281       54,841      88,342         52,621         92,540         95,145    288,877
  Shareholders' equity
   (deficit)...........   195,416       36,856      48,374         (5,885)        20,753        106,149    193,616
OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA (c)...........  $ 11,241    $   3,312   $  26,819   $      1,582   $    (50,106)  $      1,572   $ 20,692
  Adjusted EBITDA
   (c).................    13,755        5,437      29,389         16,873          9,915         21,580     24,330
  Capital
   expenditures........     2,285        2,090      12,144          8,362          6,264         16,220      3,918
  Ratio of earnings to
   fixed charges (d)...      1.81x      --            1.68x       --             --             --            1.52x(e)
  Total debt as a
   percentage of total
   capitalization (at
   period end).........      42.6%        70.6%       65.1%         105.7%          84.9%          52.5%      60.8%
                                                                                     (SEE FOOTNOTES ON FOLLOWING PAGE)
 
<CAPTION>
 
                           FOR THE
                             YEAR
                            ENDED
                         DECEMBER 31,
                             1995
                         ------------
 
<S>                      <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA:
  Net sales............  $771,325
  Gross margin.........   142,885
  Gross margin
   percentage..........      18.5%
  Business acquisition
   and consolidation
   expenses (b)........    (2,362)
  Other income
   (expense)...........        80
  Operating income
   (loss)..............    24,959
  Bankruptcy
   reorganization
   expenses............    (3,361)
  Income (loss) from
   continuing
   operations..........    (6,772)
  Income (loss) per
   share from
   continuing
   operations..........  $  (0.20)
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT
 PERIOD END):
  Working capital......
  Total assets.........
  Short-term debt
   (including current
   portion of long-term
   debt)...............
  Long-term debt.......
  Shareholders' equity
   (deficit)...........
OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA (c)...........  $ 64,794
  Adjusted EBITDA
   (c).................    70,437
  Capital
   expenditures........    33,901
  Ratio of earnings to
   fixed charges (d)...      1.07x(e)
  Total debt as a
   percentage of total
   capitalization (at
   period end).........
 
</TABLE>
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------
(a)  Amounts include the March operating results of the acquired portions of the
    Ciba Composites Business, which did not include Danutec (as defined).
 
(b)  Business  acquisition  and  consolidation  expenses  also  include  amounts
    previously reported as "Restructuring expenses."
 
(c)  "EBITDA" is defined  as income from  continuing operations before interest,
    taxes, depreciation and amortization. "Adjusted EBITDA" is defined as EBITDA
    plus business acquisition and consolidation expenses, other income (expense)
    and bankruptcy reorganization expenses. The Company believes that EBITDA and
    Adjusted EBITDA provide useful  information regarding the Company's  ability
    to service its indebtedness, but should not be considered in isolation or as
    a substitute for operating income or cash flow from operations (in each case
    as  determined in accordance with  generally accepted accounting principles)
    as an indicator of  the Company's operating performance  or as a measure  of
    the Company's liquidity.
 
(d)  Earnings consist of income (loss)  from continuing operations before income
    taxes. Fixed  charges  consist of  interest  expense, amortization  of  fees
    related  to debt financing and  rent expense deemed to  be interest. For the
    quarter ended April  2, 1995  and years ended  December 31,  1994, 1993  and
    1992,  earnings were  insufficient to  cover fixed  charges by approximately
    $1.9 million, $24.5 million, $73.8 million and $22.4 million, respectively.
 
(e) If pro forma earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 1996 and for the  year
    ended  December 31, 1995  were adjusted to  exclude business acquisition and
    consolidation expenses, other income (expense) and bankruptcy reorganization
    expenses, the pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges for such  periods
    would be 2.05x and 1.33x, respectively.
 
THE CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        -------------------------------
                                                                          1995       1994       1993
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net sales...........................................................  $ 331,073  $ 292,611  $ 271,258
  Gross profit........................................................     57,076     42,894     27,011
  Gross profit percentage.............................................       17.2%      14.7%      10.0%
  Restructuring expenses..............................................     (2,362)    (1,600)    (7,722)
  Operating loss......................................................    (11,284)   (19,363)   (40,399)
  Loss before cumulative effect of accounting changes.................    (18,543)   (24,290)   (41,918)
  Net loss............................................................    (18,543)   (24,290)   (48,995)
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
  Working capital.....................................................  $  69,851  $  73,847
  Total assets........................................................    340,294    352,420
  Short-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt).......     10,469      8,867
  Long-term debt......................................................     15,097     43,640
  Minority interest...................................................      6,968      5,048
  Owner's equity......................................................    236,949    226,136
 
OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA..............................................................  $   8,865  $   5,833  $ (14,946)
  Adjusted EBITDA.....................................................     12,329      4,454     (6,983)
  Capital expenditures................................................     13,214      7,685     12,280
</TABLE>
 
THE HERCULES COMPOSITES BUSINESS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        -------------------------------
                                                                          1995       1994       1993
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net sales...........................................................  $ 100,449  $ 100,113  $ 101,448
  Gross profit........................................................     16,701      5,327      9,150
  Gross profit percentage.............................................       16.6%       5.3%       9.0%
  Income (loss) before effect of changes in accounting principles.....      5,556     (7,759)    (4,985)
  Net income (loss)...................................................      5,556     (7,759)    (8,901)
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
  Working capital.....................................................  $  33,026  $  47,680
  Total assets........................................................    140,584    158,318
  Short-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt).......     --         --
  Long-term debt......................................................     --         --
  Minority interest...................................................     --         12,000
  Division equity.....................................................    128,029    132,319
 
OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA..............................................................  $  14,951  $   1,693  $   4,537
  Adjusted EBITDA (a).................................................     14,560      3,363      6,292
  Capital expenditures................................................      8,543      1,871      1,740
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(a)  Adjusted  EBITDA excluding  allocated  selling, general  and administrative
    expenses from Hercules would have been approximately $21.6 million in  1995,
    $9.4 million in 1994 and $12.6 million in 1993.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    Prospective  purchasers  of  the  Notes should  consider  carefully  all the
information set  forth in  this  Prospectus and,  in particular,  the  following
considerations before making any investment in the Notes.
 
OPERATING LOSSES
 
    For  the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993, the Company reported losses
from continuing operations  of approximately  $28.1 million  and $79.9  million,
respectively. The Company had income from continuing operations of approximately
$3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1995 and approximately $1.8 million
for  the quarter ended March  31, 1996. For the  fiscal years ended December 31,
1995, 1994 and  1993, the Ciba  Composites Business, which  was acquired by  the
Company  in February 1996, reported losses before cumulative effect of acounting
changes of  approximately  $18.5  million,  $24.3  million  and  $41.9  million,
respectively.   After  giving  pro  forma  effect   to  the  Ciba  and  Hercules
Acquisitions, the Company would  have had a loss  from continuing operations  of
approximately  $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1995 and income from
continuing operations of approximately $1.8 million for the quarter ended  March
31,  1996. The  ability of the  Company to be  profitable in the  future will be
dependent upon  a number  of factors,  including, among  others, the  successful
implementation  of the Company's  cost reduction and  consolidation efforts, the
Company's ability to continue to develop and market commercially viable  product
applications,  the successful  integration of  the Ciba  and Hercules Composites
Businesses and various  other factors, many  of which are  beyond the  Company's
control  such  as  future conditions  in  the commercial  aerospace  and defense
markets, potential regulatory requirements and restraints and certain activities
of the Company's competitors.  There can be no  assurance that the Company  will
achieve  profitability in the future or  be able to generate earnings sufficient
to meet  its interest  and principal  payment obligations.  See "--  Substantial
Leverage;   Ability   to   Service   Debt",   "--   Forward-Looking  Statements;
Consolidation Program" and  "Management's Discussion and  Analysis of  Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."
 
SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE; ABILITY TO SERVICE DEBT
 
    At  March 31, 1996,  after giving pro  forma effect to  the Offering and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom to repay outstanding borrowings  under
the  Credit Facility, the Company would have had approximately $300.8 million of
outstanding indebtedness and the Company's total  debt as a percentage of  total
capitalization  would have been 60.8%. See  "Capitalization." This high level of
indebtedness will have important consequences to holders of the Notes, including
the following: (i) the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing  in
the future for working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures, repayment of
debt  or  other purposes  may  be impaired;  (ii)  a significant  amount  of the
Company's anticipated cash flow from operations will be required for the payment
of interest and principal; (iii) the Company is required to comply with  certain
financial  covenants and other restrictions contained in the Credit Facility and
the Ciba Indenture (as defined); and (iv) the Company may be more vulnerable  to
downturns in general economic conditions.
 
    The  ability of the Company to meet its debt service obligations will depend
on the future operating  performance, debt levels and  financial results of  the
Company,  which will be subject in part to factors beyond the Company's control.
Although management believes that the Company's  cash flows will be adequate  to
meet  its interest and principal payment  obligations in the foreseeable future,
there can be no assurance that the Company will generate earnings in the  future
sufficient  to cover  its fixed  charges. If the  Company is  unable to generate
earnings in the future sufficient  to cover its fixed  charges and is unable  to
borrow  sufficient funds under either the Credit Facility or from other sources,
it may be required to refinance all or a portion of its existing debt (including
the Notes) or to sell all or a portion of its assets. There can be no  assurance
that  a refinancing would be possible, nor can  there be any assurance as to the
timing of  any asset  sales or  the  proceeds which  the Company  could  realize
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
therefrom.  In addition, the terms of the Credit Facility and the Ciba Indenture
restrict the  Company's ability  to sell  assets and  the Company's  use of  the
proceeds  therefrom.  See  "Management's Discussion  and  Analysis  of Financial
Condition and Result of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
    If, for  any  reason,  the Company  was  unable  to meet  its  debt  service
obligations,  it would be in default under the terms of its indebtedness. In the
event of such a default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare
all such indebtedness immediately due and payable, including accrued and  unpaid
interest,  and to  terminate their commitments  (if any) with  respect to future
funding obligations.  In  addition, such  holders  could proceed  against  their
collateral  (if any) which, in the case of certain indebtedness, consists of all
of the capital stock of certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company and 65%  of
the  capital stock of  certain foreign subsidiaries of  the Company. Any default
with respect to  any of  the Company's indebtedness  could result  in a  default
under  other indebtedness.  Such defaults  could result  in a  default under the
Indenture and could delay or preclude  payment of principal of, or interest  on,
Notes.  See "--  Subordination" and  "Description of  Notes --  Subordination of
Notes."
 
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CIBA AND HERCULES ACQUISITIONS
 
    The Company's future success will depend in part on its ability to integrate
the Ciba and Hercules Composites Businesses (together, the "Acquired Businesses"
or the "Acquisitions"), to manage the manufacturing operations of such  Acquired
Businesses  (these Acquisitions added ten additional manufacturing facilities to
the Company's nine existing manufacturing facilities), to eliminate redundancies
and excess costs and to consolidate the sales and marketing activities, research
and development activities, management information systems and other  activities
of  the Acquired  Businesses. There  can be  no assurance  that the  Company can
successfully integrate  the Acquired  Businesses into  its operations,  and  any
failure  or any  inability to do  so may have  a material adverse  effect on the
Company's results of  operations and financial  condition. Although the  Company
expects  that, in the long term, it  will realize certain cost savings and other
business synergies as a result of the Acquisitions, such cost savings and  other
business  synergies could  be affected by  various factors  beyond the Company's
control, such  as future  conditions  in the  commercial aerospace  and  defense
markets, potential regulatory requirements and restraints and certain activities
of  the  Company's competitors.  Moreover, the  current business  and regulatory
environment in  Europe  could  impede  or  prevent  the  implementation  of  the
Company's  consolidation and  other cost saving  activities abroad, particularly
its ability to reduce the size of its  work force. As a result, there can be  no
assurance  that the Company will achieve expected cost savings or other business
synergies. See "-- Forward Looking Statements; Consolidation Program."
 
VOLATILITY OF THE COMMERCIAL AEROSPACE INDUSTRY; RELIANCE ON SIGNIFICANT
CUSTOMERS
 
    Approximately 45% of  the Company's  revenues during the  fiscal year  ended
December  31,  1995 were  derived  from a  limited  number of  customers  in the
commercial aerospace industry, an industry that purchases many of the  Company's
higher  value-added products,  is cyclical  in nature  and is  subject to change
based on  general  economic  conditions and  airline  profitability.  From  1992
through  1994,  domestic airlines  suffered significant  operating losses.  As a
result of these losses, as well as the high levels of debt incurred to  purchase
new  aircraft  and  the excess  capacity  within the  commercial  airline sector
generally, the  commercial aerospace  industry experienced  a reduction  in  new
orders  for commercial  aircraft and related  spare parts and  deferrals, and in
some cases, cancellations  of deliveries of  previously ordered aircraft.  While
orders  for commercial aircraft increased in 1995 and the first quarter of 1996,
aircraft deliveries  remain  below  levels  achieved  during  the  past  decade.
Although  it appears  that the  health of  the commercial  aerospace industry is
improving based on increases in airline profitability and build rates, there can
be no assurance  that any improvement  in this industry  will be substantial  or
that  improved  conditions  will  be sustained.  See  "Business  --  Markets and
Customers."
 
    The Boeing Company  and Boeing subcontractors,  which have been  significant
customers  of the Company for many years, accounted for approximately 21% of the
Company's net sales for the year
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
ended  December  31,  1995.   In  addition,  the   Airbus  consortium  and   its
subcontractors  accounted for approximately  12% of the  Company's pro forma net
sales for the year ended December 31,  1995 after giving effect to the Ciba  and
Hercules  Acquisitions. The loss  of, or significant  reduction in purchases by,
such major  customers  could  materially  and  adversely  affect  the  Company's
business,  operating results, prospects or financial condition. See "Business --
Markets and Customers."
 
REDUCTIONS IN DEFENSE SPENDING
 
    Approximately 11%  of  the  Company's  revenues  during  fiscal  year  ended
December  31, 1995 were derived from the space and defense industry, an industry
that also  purchases some  of  the Company's  highest  margin products,  and  is
dependent  upon  government  defense budgets,  particularly  the  United States'
defense budget.  In general,  defense budgets  in the  United States  have  been
declining  in recent  years, resulting  in reduced  demand for  new aircraft and
spare parts. Although the effect of United States defense budget reductions  may
be  offset in part by foreign military  sales, such sales are affected by United
States governmental  regulation, regulation  by  the purchasing  government  and
political  uncertainties  in  the United  States  and  abroad. There  can  be no
assurance that the  United States  defense budgets  and the  related demand  for
defense  related equipment will not continue to decline or that sales of defense
related equipment to foreign  governments will continue  at present levels.  See
"Business -- Markets and Customers."
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS; CONSOLIDATION PROGRAM
 
    Certain  statements under the captions "Prospectus Summary," "Risk Factors,"
"Management's Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results  of
Operations,"   "Business"   and   elsewhere   in   this   Prospectus  constitute
"forward-looking statements"  within  the  meaning  of  the  Private  Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and
unknown  risks,  uncertainties  and  other factors  that  may  cause  the actual
results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to  be
materially  different  from  any  future  results,  performance  or achievements
expressed or implied by such  forward-looking statements. Such factors  include,
among  others, the following: general economic and business conditions; industry
capacity; changes  in customer  preferences; demographic  changes;  competition;
changes  in methods of distribution and technology; changes in political, social
and economic conditions and local regulations, particularly in Europe and  Asia;
the  assimilation  of  the Ciba  Composites  Business; the  assimilation  of the
Hercules Composites Business; the loss of any significant customers; changes  in
business strategy or development plans; the indebtedness of the Company; quality
of  management,  business abilities  and  judgment of  the  Company's personnel;
availability of qualified personnel; the  availability, terms and deployment  of
capital;  changes in, or the failure to comply with, government regulations; and
various other factors referenced in this Prospectus.
 
    The forward-looking  information  referred to  above  includes, but  is  not
limited to, the estimated total cost of the Company's consolidation program, the
estimated  amount of cash expenditures to complete the program and the estimated
annual cost savings resulting  from the consolidation program  (in each case  as
described  under "Prospectus  Summary --  Strategic Repositioning  -- Structural
Reorganization and Consolidation Program," "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and  Results of Operations --  General" and "Business  --
Strategic   Repositioning   --  Structural   Reorganization   and  Consolidation
Program"). In addition to the risks, uncertainties and other factors referred to
above which  may  cause  actual  amounts to  differ  materially  from  estimated
amounts,  such  estimates of  total costs,  cash  expenditures and  annual costs
savings are  based  on  various  factors and  were  derived  utilizing  numerous
important  assumptions,  including: (i)  achieving  estimated reductions  in the
number of  total  employees within  anticipated  time frames  and  at  currently
projected  severance cost  levels, while maintaining  work flow  in the business
areas affected, (ii) the ability to maintain manufacturing know-how with respect
to production processes conducted at facilities that will be closed or at  which
the  number of employees will be reduced, including cooperation by employees who
will  be  terminated,  (iii)  the  assimilation  and  integration  of  the  Ciba
Composites   Business  with  the  Company's  operations  without  disruption  to
manufacturing, marketing and distribution  activities, (iv) the assimilation  of
the production processes at closed facilities with
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
production   at  other  Company  facilities  without  undue  disruption  to  the
manufacturing, marketing and distribution  functions, including the  cooperation
of  customers in connection  with requalifying the  subject products for various
customer and  government  programs and  (v)  selling vacated  facilities  within
anticipated  time frames  at anticipated  selling prices.  The failure  of these
assumptions to be realized may cause the actual total cost of the  consolidation
program,  the actual amount of cash expenditures to complete the program and the
actual annual cost savings resulting from the program to differ materially  from
the estimates.
 
COMPETITION
 
    Most  of the markets  in which the Company  operates are highly competitive.
The Company believes that product quality, product performance, customer service
and price  are the  principal factors  considered by  customers in  each of  the
Company's  business segments. In addition,  other companies compete aggressively
for sole source or limited source qualifications in the commercial and  military
aerospace  market.  Some  of these  competitors  may  have lower  costs  or more
favorable operating conditions than the Company and could replace the Company as
the holder  of  sole  source  or limited  source  qualifications  or  become  an
additional  qualified source of materials for the commercial aerospace and space
and defense markets. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able  to
compete successfully with either existing or new competitors or that competitive
pressures  faced by  the Company or  the loss  of sole source  or limited source
qualifications will not materially and adversely affect its business,  operating
results, prospects or financial condition. See "Business -- Competition."
 
RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY INDEBTEDNESS
 
    The  Credit Facility and the Ciba Indenture (as defined) contain a number of
significant covenants that, among other things, will restrict the ability of the
Company  and  its   subsidiaries  to   dispose  of   assets,  incur   additional
indebtedness,  repay other indebtedness, pay dividends, make certain investments
or acquisitions,  repurchase  or redeem  capital  stock, engage  in  mergers  or
consolidations,   or  engage  in  certain  transactions  with  subsidiaries  and
affiliates and otherwise restrict certain corporate activities. There can be  no
assurance that such restrictions will not adversely affect the Company's ability
to  finance its future operations  or capital needs or  engage in other business
activities that may be  in the best  interest of the  Company. In addition,  the
Credit  Facility  requires  the  Company  to  maintain  compliance  with certain
financial ratios. The ability of the Company  to comply with such ratios may  be
affected  by  events beyond  the Company's  control.  A breach  of any  of these
covenants or the inability of the Company to comply with the covenants regarding
required financial ratios could result in  an event of default under the  Credit
Facility  or the Ciba Indenture.  In the event of  any such default, the lenders
under the Credit  Facility and  the Ciba Indenture  could elect  to declare  all
borrowings  outstanding  thereunder, together  with  accrued interest  and other
fees, to  be due  and  payable, to  require  the Company  to  apply all  of  its
available  cash to repay such  borrowings or to prevent  the Company from making
debt service payments on the Notes. If the Company were unable to repay any such
borrowings when due, the lenders could proceed against their collateral. If  the
indebtedness  under the Credit Facility, the Ciba Indenture or the Notes were to
be accelerated, there could be no assurance that the assets of the Company would
be sufficient to repay such indebtedness in full.
 
LIMITATION ON CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
    The Indenture requires the Company, in the event of a Change of Control,  to
make  an offer to purchase all outstanding Notes at a price equal to 100% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest  to the date of repurchase.  The
Credit  Facility includes  certain restrictions  on payments  by the  Company in
respect of  its  subordinated  indebtedness, including  the  Notes.  The  Credit
Facility  provides that  certain change  of control  events with  respect to the
Company  and/or  certain  of  its   subsidiaries  would  constitute  a   default
thereunder.  Any  future  credit  agreements  or  other  agreements  relating to
indebtedness  to  which  the  Company  becomes  a  party  may  contain   similar
restrictions  and provisions. In the event that  a Change of Control occurs at a
time when the Company is prohibited  from repurchasing Notes, the Company  could
seek   the   consent  of   the   lenders  to   the   repurchase  of   the  Notes
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
or could attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain such prohibitions.  If
the Company does not obtain such a consent or repay such borrowings, the Company
will  remain  prohibited  from  repurchasing  Notes.  The  Company's  failure to
repurchase tendered Notes  at a  time when such  repurchase is  required by  the
Indenture  would constitute an event of default thereunder which, in turn, would
constitute a  default under  the  Credit Facility.  In such  circumstances,  the
subordination  provisions in the Indenture would likely restrict payments to the
holders of the Notes. There can be  no assurance that the Company will have  the
financial  resources necessary to repurchase the Notes upon a Change of Control.
See "Description of Notes  -- Repurchase of  Notes at the  Option of the  Holder
Upon a Change of Control."
 
INFLUENCE OF SIGNIFICANT STOCKHOLDER
 
    Ciba  currently  beneficially  owns  approximately  49.8%  of  the Company's
outstanding common stock. Pursuant  to a governance  agreement between Ciba  and
Hexcel  (the "Governance  Agreement"), Ciba is  entitled to  designate a certain
number of members of the  Company's Board of Directors  and a certain number  of
committee members on each committee of the Board of Directors, based upon Ciba's
percentage  ownership  of  the  total voting  power  of  the  outstanding voting
securities of the Company. In  addition, the Governance Agreement provides  that
the  Board of Directors  will not authorize, approve  or ratify certain actions,
transactions and stock issuances without the approval of a certain number of the
Ciba designees depending upon  the level of Ciba's  percentage ownership of  the
total  voting power of the outstanding voting  securities of the Company and the
nature of the  action. Consequently,  Ciba will  have the  ability to  influence
certain  affairs of  the Company  so long as  it maintains  ownership of certain
percentages of the total voting power  of the outstanding voting securities  the
Company.  For a  more complete discussion  of the Governance  Agreement, see the
Company's Proxy Statement for the Meeting  of Stockholders held on February  21,
1996, which is incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
 
SUBORDINATION
 
    The  indebtedness evidenced by the Notes is subordinate to the prior payment
in full of all Senior Indebtedness. As of March 31, 1996, after giving pro forma
effect to the  Offering and  the application of  the net  proceeds therefrom  to
repay  outstanding borrowings under the Credit  Facility, the Company would have
had  approximately  $175.2  million  of  Senior  Indebtedness  outstanding.  The
Indenture  will not  limit the amount  of future  indebtedness, including Senior
Indebtedness, that the Company may incur, assume or guarantee. By reason of  the
subordination provisions of the Notes, in the event of the Company's liquidation
or  dissolution, holders of  Senior Indebtedness may  receive more, ratably, and
holders of the Notes may receive less, ratably, than the other creditors of  the
Company. See "Description of Notes -- Subordination of Notes."
 
    The  Company conducts a portion of  its operations through its subsidiaries.
Claims of  creditors of  any subsidiaries,  including trade  creditors,  secured
creditors  and  creditors holding  indebtedness  and guarantees  issued  by such
subsidiaries, and claims of preferred stockholders (if any) of such subsidiaries
will generally have  priority with respect  to the assets  and earnings of  such
subsidiaries  over the claims of creditors  of the Company, including holders of
the Notes, even if such obligations do not constitute Senior Indebtedness. As of
March 31, 1996, the  Company's subsidiaries had  approximately $49.6 million  of
pro forma indebtedness outstanding.
 
FOREIGN OPERATIONS, COUNTRY RISKS AND EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS
 
    Approximately  50% of the  Company's pro forma revenues  for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1995  were derived from operations  conducted outside of  the
United  States at facilities located in Austria, Belgium, England, France, Italy
and Spain, as  well as  through sales offices  in Asia,  Australia, Germany  and
South  America.  The  Company  is  also  a  partner  in  a  joint  venture  that
manufactures and sells composite materials in Asia. The Company's  international
operations are subject to a number of special risks, including currency exchange
rate  fluctuations, trade  barriers, exchange controls,  national labor strikes,
political risks  and  risks  of  increases in  duties,  taxes  and  governmental
royalties,  as  well as  changes in  laws and  policies governing  operations of
foreign-based companies. In addition,
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
earnings of the  Company's foreign  subsidiaries and  intercompany payments  are
subject to foreign income tax rules that may reduce cash flows available to meet
required debt service and other obligations of the Company.
 
    The  Company engages in  limited hedging activities,  including the purchase
and sale of foreign currency options and forward contracts, to protect  expected
proceeds from transactions and minimize the ongoing exposure to foreign currency
exchange  risk. In addition, because the Company has manufacturing operations in
foreign locations, it is  hedged to some extent  from foreign currency  exchange
risks  because of its ability  to purchase, borrow, manufacture  and sell in the
local currency  of  such  foreign  jurisdictions. There  can  be  no  assurance,
however,  that  the  Company's operations  will  not be  materially  affected by
foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
 
LIMITED SUPPLY OF RAW MATERIALS
 
    The Company's profitability depends largely  on the price and continuity  of
supply   of   its   raw   materials,   including   carbon   fiber,   fiberglass,
NOMEX-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- and KEVLAR-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-, which are supplied
by a limited  number of sources  and have, from  time to time,  been subject  to
increased demand and/or limited supply in recent years. The Company's ability to
pass  on increases  in the costs  of such raw  materials is, to  a large extent,
dependent on  market conditions,  including the  extent to  which the  Company's
customers  would switch to alternative materials  not produced by the Company in
the event of an increase  in the prices of  the Company's products. Because  the
Company  purchases  large volumes  of such  raw materials,  any decrease  in the
supply or increase  in the  cost of  the Company's  raw materials  could have  a
material adverse effect on the Company.
 
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE NOTES
 
    Prior  to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Notes. There
can be no assurance that any active public market for the Notes will develop  or
as  to the price at which the Notes may  trade from time to time. The absence of
an active trading market for the  Notes would adversely affect the liquidity  of
the Notes and could adversely affect the price at which the Notes may trade.
 
POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF TRADING PRICES
 
    The  trading prices  of the  Notes and the  Company's Common  Stock could be
subject to  significant  fluctuations  in  response  to,  among  other  factors,
variations  in operating  results, developments in  the industries  in which the
Company does business,  general economic  conditions and  changes in  securities
analysts'  recommendations regarding  the Company's  securities. Such volatility
may adversely affect the market price of the Notes and the Common Stock.
 
ACQUISITION AND ALLIANCE STRATEGY
 
    In pursuit  of  its strategic  objective  to consolidate  through  strategic
acquisitions  and/or  alliances,  the  Company recently  acquired  the  Ciba and
Hercules Composites Businesses.  The Company also  continually monitors each  of
its  businesses in the context of the changing business environment and assesses
conditions  for   acquisitions,  alliances   or  dispositions.   The   Company's
acquisition  and  alliance  strategy  entails the  potential  risks  inherent in
assessing the value, strengths, weaknesses, contingent or other liabilities  and
potential  profitability  of  acquisition  and/or  alliance  candidates  and  in
integrating the operations  of acquired  businesses. There can  be no  assurance
that  acquisition and/or alliance  opportunities will continue  to be available,
that the Company will have access  to the capital required to finance  potential
acquisitions  and/or  alliances,  that  the  Company  will  continue  to acquire
businesses and/or enter into alliance  agreements or that any business  acquired
or alliance entered into will be integrated successfully or prove profitable.
 
    The  Company has made and expects it  will continue to make acquisitions and
to  obtain  contracts  in  Europe  and  the  Asia-Pacific  region.  While  these
activities  may provide  important opportunities  for the  Company to  offer its
products and services  internationally, they  also entail  the risks  associated
with  conducting  business  internationally,  including  the  risk  of  currency
exchange rate fluctuations and social, political and economic instability.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    The net proceeds from the sale of the Notes offered hereby are estimated  to
be   approximately   $96.6  million   (approximately   $111.1  million   if  the
Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised  in full). The Company  intends
to  use such net proceeds to repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding under
the Company's revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility"), which  provides
for up to $300 million of borrowings at variable rates. Pursuant to the terms of
the  Credit  Facility, the  amount available  for  borrowing thereunder  will be
reduced by 50% of the face amount  of the Notes issued upon the consummation  of
the Offering. Therefore, upon completion of the Offering, availability under the
Credit  Facility will be limited to  $250 million. The Credit Facility currently
bears interest at a  rate of    % per  annum and expires  in February 1999.  The
outstanding  borrowings  under  the  Credit Facility  were  incurred  to replace
approximately $97.1 million of outstanding  borrowings under the Company's  $175
million  revolving credit facility  (the "Old Credit  Facility"), which has been
terminated, and to  finance the  Hercules Acquisition. The  Old Credit  Facility
bore  interest at a  weighted average interest  rate of 5.25%  per annum and was
scheduled to expire in February, 1999. Borrowings under the Old Credit  Facility
were  used  (i) to  refinance $31.4  million of  indebtedness under  a revolving
credit facility that has since been  terminated; (ii) to finance $25 million  of
the  purchase price of the Ciba Acquisition; (iii) to refinance $12.7 million of
foreign borrowings; (iv) to repay $5.5 million  of demand notes to Ciba; (v)  to
repay $3.9 million of other indebtedness; and (vi) for working capital and other
general  corporate  purposes.  See  "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of
Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  --  Liquidity  and   Capital
Resources."
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of March
31,  1996 and  as adjusted to  give pro  forma effect to  the initial borrowings
under the Credit Facility, the Hercules Acquisition, the Danutec Closing and the
Offering and the application of the net  proceeds therefrom, in each case as  if
they had occurred on March 31, 1996. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      AS OF MARCH 31, 1996
                                                                                    ------------------------
                                                                                      ACTUAL      PRO FORMA
                                                                                    -----------  -----------
                                                                                     (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                 <C>          <C>
Current debt:
  Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt..........................  $     6,809  $    11,924
                                                                                    -----------  -----------
Long-term debt:
  Credit Facility.................................................................       69,836(a)   111,736
   % Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2003......................................      --           100,000
  Senior Subordinated Notes Payable to Ciba, net of discount......................       26,170(b)    30,238
  7% Subordinated Convertible Debentures Due 2011.................................       25,625(c)    25,625
  IDRB variable rate demand notes due 2024........................................       11,990       11,990
  Other long-term debt, net of current maturities.................................        4,660        9,288
                                                                                    -----------  -----------
    Total long-term debt..........................................................      138,281      288,877
                                                                                    -----------  -----------
    Total debt....................................................................      145,090      300,801
                                                                                    -----------  -----------
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock ($.01 par value) and paid-in capital
    100,000,000 shares authorized, 36,119,000 shares issued and outstanding.......      257,563      257,563
  Accumulated deficit.............................................................      (68,133)     (69,933)
  Minimum pension obligation adjustment...........................................         (535)        (535)
  Cumulative currency translation adjustment......................................        6,521        6,521
                                                                                    -----------  -----------
    Total shareholders' equity....................................................      195,416      193,616
                                                                                    -----------  -----------
    Total capitalization..........................................................  $   340,506  $   494,417
                                                                                    -----------  -----------
                                                                                    -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(a) Represents  borrowings outstanding under the Old Credit Facility as of March
    31, 1996. As of June    , 1996, outstanding borrowings under the Old  Credit
    Facility  aggregated approximately $     million. On June    , 1996, the Old
    Credit Facility was terminated and borrowings thereunder were replaced  with
    borrowings  under the Credit Facility. See  "Use of Proceeds" and "Pro Forma
    Financial Information."
 
(b) Represents senior  subordinated notes  payable to  Ciba (the  "Ciba  Notes")
    which  are to be issued in connection  with the Ciba Acquisition pursuant to
    an indenture (the  "Ciba Indenture") (excluding  the notes to  be issued  in
    connection  with the Danutec Closing) following the determination of certain
    post-closing adjustments.
 
(c) Represents convertible subordinated debentures that were reinstated pursuant
    to  the  Company's  plan  of  reorganization  under  Chapter  11.  Mandatory
    redemption  is  scheduled  to  begin in  2002  through  annual  sinking fund
    requirements. The debentures are convertible  prior to maturity into  Common
    Stock at $30.72 per share subject to adjustment under certain circumstances.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
                PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    The  Common Stock is traded on the NYSE  and the PSE under the symbol "HXL."
The following table sets forth for the fiscal periods indicated the high and low
last reported sales  prices per share  of the  Common Stock as  reported by  the
NYSE.  No  dividends on  the  Common Stock  were  declared or  paid  during such
periods. From  December  6, 1993  to  February 9,  1995,  Hexcel operated  as  a
debtor-in-possession under the protection of Chapter 11.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               HIGH        LOW
                                                                                            ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                                         <C>         <C>
Fiscal year ended December 31, 1994:
  First Quarter...........................................................................  $    4 1/4  $    2 3/4
  Second Quarter..........................................................................       4           3
  Third Quarter...........................................................................       6           3
  Fourth Quarter..........................................................................       5 3/4       4
Fiscal year ended December 31, 1995:
  First Quarter...........................................................................       6 5/8       4 1/4
  Second Quarter..........................................................................       7 1/4       4 1/2
  Third Quarter...........................................................................      12 1/4       7 1/4
  Fourth Quarter..........................................................................      11 1/4       8 1/4
Fiscal year ending December 31, 1996:
  First Quarter...........................................................................      13 1/4      10 1/2
  Second Quarter (through June 11, 1996)..................................................      16          11 7/8
</TABLE>
 
    On  June 11, 1996, the last reported sales  price of the Common Stock on the
NYSE was $15 5/8 per share.
 
    The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends on the Common  Stock
since  December 1992. The payment of cash dividends in the future will depend on
the Company's earnings,  financial condition, capital  needs, and other  factors
deemed  pertinent by the Company's Board of Directors, including the limitations
on the payments of  dividends under state  law and the  Credit Facility (or  any
other  then-existing credit agreement). Currently, the Credit Facility prohibits
the payment of cash dividends on the Common Stock. It is also the current policy
of the Company's Board of Directors to  retain earnings, if any, to finance  the
operations and expansion of the Company's business.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
                        PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
    The  following unaudited  pro forma combined  balance sheet  for the quarter
ended March  31,  1996  was  prepared  to illustrate  the  effects  of  (i)  the
acquisition  of Danutec Werkstoff  AG ("Danutec"), a subsidiary  of Ciba, by the
Company on May 30, 1996 as part of the Ciba Acquisition (the "Danutec Closing"),
(ii) the  initial  borrowings under  the  Credit Facility,  (iii)  the  Hercules
Acquisition and (iv) the Offering and the use of net proceeds therefrom to repay
borrowings   under   the   Credit  Facility   (collectively,   the   "Pro  Forma
Transactions"), as if the Pro Forma Transactions had occurred on March 31, 1996.
The following  unaudited pro  forma combined  statements of  operations for  the
quarter  ended March 31, 1996 and the year ended December 31, 1995 were prepared
to illustrate the estimated effects of the Pro Forma Transactions as if they had
occurred at the beginning of the periods presented.
 
    The unaudited pro  forma financial  information presented  below is  derived
from  the  audited  financial statements  of  the Company,  the  Ciba Composites
Business and  the Hercules  Composites Business  as of  and for  the year  ended
December  31, 1995  and the unaudited  financial statements of  the Company, the
Ciba Composites Business, Danutec and the Hercules Composites Business as of and
for the quarter ended March 31,  1996. The Ciba Acquisition (including  Danutec)
and  the Hercules  Acquisition are  accounted for  using the  purchase method of
accounting. Accordingly, the total purchase price for each such acquisition  has
been  allocated to  the assets acquired  and the liabilities  assumed based upon
their estimated relative fair market values, subject to revision when additional
information concerning asset and liability valuations is obtained.
 
    The following unaudited pro  forma financial information  should be read  in
conjunction  with "Management's  Discussion and Analysis  of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and the financial statements of each of the  Company,
the  Ciba Composites  Business (which include  for the  periods presented Ciba's
interest in Danutec) and the Hercules Composites Business and the notes  thereto
appearing  elsewhere  in  this  Prospectus. The  unaudited  pro  forma financial
information is  not  necessarily indicative  of  the results  of  operations  or
financial condition that would have been reported had the events assumed therein
occurred  on the dates indicated, nor is it necessarily indicative of results of
operations or financial position that may be achieved in the future.
 
    On May 9, 1996, Hexcel announced that its Board of Directors had approved  a
plan  for consolidating the Company's operations following the Ciba Acquisition.
Management currently  estimates that  the  business consolidation  program  will
result  in an increase in "excess of purchase price over net assets acquired" by
approximately  $10  million.  The   following  unaudited  pro  forma   financial
information  does not give effect to any  of the charges or expenses expected to
be incurred in the future in connection with the business consolidation  program
or  to the operating, financial and other benefits that may be realized from the
business consolidation program. See "Risk Factors -- Forward-Looking Statements;
Consolidation Program" and  "Business -- Strategic  Repositioning --  Structural
Reorganization and Consolidation Program."
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
                   UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
                              AS OF MARCH 31, 1996
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 ADJUSTMENTS
                                                                                                   FOR THE
                                                                                                OFFERING, THE
                                                        PRO FORMA FOR THE DANUTEC                   CREDIT
                                      HISTORICAL                 CLOSING           HISTORICAL    FACILITY AND
                                 ---------------------  -------------------------   HERCULES     THE HERCULES
                                              DANUTEC    ADJUSTMENTS               COMPOSITES    ACQUISITION    PRO FORMA
                                   HEXCEL    (NOTE 1)     (NOTE 2)      COMBINED    BUSINESS       (NOTE 3)      COMBINED
                                 ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------
<S>                              <C>         <C>        <C>            <C>         <C>          <C>             <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and equivalents.........  $    4,675  $   3,426  $    --        $    8,101   $     603   $     (603)(g)  $    8,101
  Accounts receivable, net.....     132,076      6,504       --           138,580      16,061         (613)(h)     154,028
  Inventories..................     111,123      6,225         300(a)     117,648      27,422        1,843(i)      146,913
  Prepaid expenses and other
   assets......................       1,656         51       --             1,707      --             --             1,707
                                 ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------
    Total current assets.......     249,530     16,206         300        266,036      44,086          627         310,749
                                 ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------
Net property, plant and
 equipment.....................     192,229     12,919        (757)(b)    204,391      93,061        7,947(j)      305,399
Excess of purchase price over
 net assets acquired...........      29,230     --           --            29,230      --             --            29,230
Investment and other assets....      14,736      1,071      (4,533)(c)     11,274       1,027        4,100(m)       16,401
                                 ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------
    Total assets...............  $  485,725  $  30,196  $   (4,990)    $  510,931   $ 138,174   $   12,674      $  661,779
                                 ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------
                                 ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Notes payable and current
   maturities of long-term
   liabilities.................  $    6,809  $   1,689  $    3,426(d)  $   11,924   $  --       $     --        $   11,924
  Accounts payable.............      50,385      3,473       --            53,858       3,979         (613)(h)      57,224
  Accrued liabilities..........      54,737      5,848       --            60,585       6,269         --            66,854
                                 ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------
    Total current liabilities..     111,931     11,010       3,426        126,367      10,248         (613)        136,002
                                 ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------
Credit facility................      69,836     --           --            69,836      --           41,900(l)      111,736
  % Convertible Subordinated
 Notes Due 2003................      --         --           --            --          --          100,000(l)      100,000
Other long-term debt, less
 current maturities............      68,445      4,628       4,068(e)      77,141      --             --            77,141
Deferred liabilities...........      40,097      2,074       --            42,171       1,113         --            43,284
                                 ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock & paid-in
   capital.....................     257,563     12,484     (12,484)(f)    257,563      --             --           257,563
  Accumulated deficit..........     (68,133)    --           --           (68,133)     --           (1,800)(m)     (69,933)
  Minimum pension obligation
   adjustment..................        (535)    --           --              (535)     --             --              (535)
  Cumulative currency
   translation adjustment......       6,521     --           --             6,521      --             --             6,521
  Invested capital.............      --         --           --            --         126,813     (126,813)(k)      --
                                 ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------
    Total shareholders'
     equity....................     195,416     12,484     (12,484)       195,416     126,813     (128,613)        193,616
                                 ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------
    Total liabilities and
     shareholders' equity......  $  485,725  $  30,196  $   (4,990)    $  510,931   $ 138,174   $   12,674      $  661,779
                                 ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------
                                 ----------  ---------  -------------  ----------  -----------  --------------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
              NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
 
NOTE 1 -- DANUTEC CLOSING
 
    The historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company
excludes  Danutec as of March 31, 1996 because the Danutec Closing did not occur
until May 30, 1996.
 
NOTE 2 -- DANUTEC PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
(a) Adjustment to record acquired inventories at estimated fair value.
 
(b) Adjustment to  record acquired  property, plant and  equipment at  estimated
    fair value.
 
(c)  As of March 31,  1996, the Company recorded as  an investment an advance of
    approximately $4.5  million  towards the  purchase  price of  Danutec.  This
    adjustment is to eliminate the advance.
 
(d)  Adjustment to reflect  the issuance of  the senior demand  notes payable to
    Ciba in an amount equal to the cash and equivalents on hand at Danutec.
 
(e) Adjustment to  reflect the issuance  of the Ciba  Notes attributable to  the
    Danutec Closing.
 
(f) Adjustment to eliminate Danutec's equity.
 
NOTE 3 -- PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
 
    PURCHASE PRICE ALLOCATION
 
    The  total purchase price for the  Hercules Composites Business is comprised
of the purchase price of $135 million plus an estimated $1.0 million for related
transaction costs, subject to post-closing  adjustments. The purchase price  for
the Hercules Acquisition was financed with borrowings under the Credit Facility.
 
    The  preliminary allocation of the total purchase price to the net assets of
the Hercules Composites Business is based upon the estimated fair values of  the
net assets acquired, and is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                (IN
                                                                                            THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                        <C>
Accounts receivable (1)..................................................................   $    15,448
Inventories (2)..........................................................................        29,265
Net property, plant & equipment (3)......................................................       101,008
Investments and other assets (1).........................................................         1,027
Accounts payable (4).....................................................................        (3,366)
Accrued liabilities (4)..................................................................        (6,269)
Deferred liabilities (4).................................................................        (1,113)
                                                                                           -------------
  Total purchase price...................................................................   $   136,000
                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                           -------------
</TABLE>
 
(1)  The  fair value  of accounts  receivable, investments  and other  assets is
    estimated to equal respective net book value.
 
(2) The fair value  of inventory is estimated  to equal aggregate current  sales
    value less estimated selling costs.
 
(3) The Company's current estimate is that the fair value of the property, plant
    and equipment is greater than the net book value. Accordingly, the excess of
    purchase  price over  all other net  assets (estimated at  $7.9 million) has
    been allocated to property, plant  and equipment. The Company's estimate  is
    subject to modification based on further analysis.
 
(4)  The fair  value of  the current and  long-term liabilities  is estimated to
    equal net book value.
 
    HERCULES COMPOSITES BUSINESS PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
 
(g) Adjustment to eliminate cash and equivalents held by the Hercules Composites
    Business, which were not acquired in the Hercules Acquisition.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
        NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 3 -- PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS (CONTINUED)
(h) Adjustment to eliminate the  trade accounts receivable and payable  balances
    between the Hercules Composites Business and Hexcel.
 
(i)  Adjustment  to  record  acquired  inventories  of  the  Hercules Composites
    Business at estimated fair value.
 
(j)  Adjustment to  record acquired property, plant  and equipment at  estimated
    fair value.
 
(k) Adjustment to eliminate Hercules Composites Business' equity.
 
    OFFERING AND CREDIT FACILITY PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
 
(l) Adjustment to reflect the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                (IN
                                                                                            THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                        <C>
Credit Facility Borrowings:
  Purchase Price for Hercules Composites Business........................................   $   135,000
  Hercules Acquisition transaction costs.................................................         1,000
  Credit Facility issuance costs.........................................................         2,500
  Notes issuance costs...................................................................         3,400
  Less: Gross proceeds from issuance of the Notes........................................      (100,000)
                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                            $    41,900
                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                           -------------
Issuance of the Notes....................................................................   $   100,000
                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                           -------------
</TABLE>
 
(m) Net adjustment to reflect the capitalization and write-off of issuance
    costs:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                (IN
                                                                                            THOUSANDS)
                                                                                           -------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>
  Notes issuance costs...................................................................    $   3,400
  Credit Facility issuance costs.........................................................        2,500
  Less: Write-off of capitalized debt issuance costs
       related to the Old Credit Facility................................................       (1,800)
                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                             $   4,100
                                                                                           -------------
                                                                                           -------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                      FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                ADJUSTMENTS
                                                                                                  FOR THE
                                   HISTORICAL                                                  OFFERING, THE
                                    (NOTE 1)            PRO FORMA FOR THE CIBA                     CREDIT
                             -----------------------         ACQUISITION          HISTORICAL    FACILITY AND
                                            CIBA      --------------------------   HERCULES     THE HERCULES
                                         COMPOSITES    ADJUSTMENTS                COMPOSITES    ACQUISITION     PRO FORMA
                               HEXCEL     BUSINESS      (NOTE 2)      COMBINED     BUSINESS       (NOTE 2)      COMBINED
                             ----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------  --------------  -----------
<S>                          <C>         <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>
Net sales..................  $  126,418   $  51,668    $     (75)(a) $   178,011   $  22,342    $  (1,430)(i)  $   198,923
Cost of sales..............     (99,635)    (42,587)         755(b)     (141,467)    (18,495)       1,245(j)      (158,717)
                             ----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------     -------      -----------
Gross margin...............      26,783       9,081          680          36,544       3,847         (185)          40,206
Selling, general and
 administrative expenses...     (17,093)     (7,735)       --            (24,828)     (2,425)       1,351(k)       (25,902)
Amortization of intangible
 assets....................        (389)       (572)         263(c)         (698)     --             --               (698)
Business acquisition and
 consolidation expenses....      (5,211)     --            --             (5,211)     --             --             (5,211)
Other income (expense),
 net.......................       2,697      (1,404)         500(d)        1,793        (220)        --              1,573
                             ----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------     -------      -----------
Operating income (loss)....       6,787        (630)       1,443           7,600       1,202        1,166            9,968
Interest expense...........      (3,633)       (154)        (145)(e)      (3,932)     --           (2,465)(l)       (6,397)
Minority interest..........      --            (147)         147(f)      --           --             --            --
                             ----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------     -------      -----------
Income (loss) from
 continuing operations
 before income taxes.......       3,154        (931)       1,445           3,668       1,202       (1,299)           3,571
Provision for income
 taxes.....................      (1,306)       (473)       --   (g)       (1,779)     --             --  (g)        (1,779)
                             ----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------     -------      -----------
  Net income (loss)........  $    1,848   $  (1,404)   $   1,445     $     1,889   $   1,202    $  (1,299)     $     1,792
                             ----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------     -------      -----------
                             ----------  -----------  -------------  -----------  -----------     -------      -----------
Net income per share and
 equivalent share (Note 3):  $     0.07                              $      0.05                               $      0.05
                             ----------                              -----------                               -----------
                             ----------                              -----------                               -----------
Weighted average shares and
 equivalent shares:              24,685                                   36,493                                    36,493
                             ----------                              -----------                               -----------
                             ----------                              -----------                               -----------
Ratio of earnings to fixed
 charges (Note 4)..........                                                                                          1.52x
EBITDA (A).................                                                                                    $    20,692
                                                                                                               -----------
                                                                                                               -----------
Adjusted EBITDA (A)........                                                                                    $    24,330
                                                                                                               -----------
                                                                                                               -----------
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------
(A)  See "Selected Consolidated Financial Information" for definitions of EBITDA
    and Adjusted EBITDA.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        ADJUSTMENTS
                                                                                                          FOR THE
                                     HISTORICAL                                                        OFFERING, THE
                                      (NOTE 1)                 PRO FORMA FOR THE                      CREDIT FACILITY
                             ---------------------------        CIBA ACQUISITION         HISTORICAL       AND THE
                                               CIBA       ----------------------------    HERCULES       HERCULES
                                            COMPOSITES     ADJUSTMENTS                   COMPOSITES     ACQUISITION     PRO FORMA
                                HEXCEL       BUSINESS        (NOTE 2)       COMBINED      BUSINESS       (NOTE 2)       COMBINED
                             ------------  -------------  --------------  ------------  ------------  ---------------  -----------
<S>                          <C>           <C>            <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>
Net sales..................  $ 350,238     $  331,073      $  (3,207)(a)  $ 678,104      $ 100,449     $  (7,228)(i)    $ 771,325
Cost of sales..............   (283,148)      (273,997)         6,860(b)    (550,285)       (83,748)        5,593(j)      (628,440)
                             ------------  -------------  --------------  ------------  ------------  ---------------  -----------
Gross margin...............     67,090         57,076          3,653        127,819         16,701        (1,635)         142,885
Selling, general and
 administrative expenses...    (49,324)       (57,966)          --         (107,290)       (11,536)        5,727(k)      (113,099)
Amortization and write-
 downs of intangible
 assets....................       --           (6,930)         4,385(c)      (2,545)         --             --             (2,545)
Business acquisition and
 consolidation expenses....       --           (2,362)          --           (2,362)         --             --             (2,362)
Other income (expense),
 net.......................        791         (1,102)          --             (311)           391          --                 80
                             ------------  -------------  --------------  ------------  ------------  ---------------  -----------
Operating income (loss)....     18,557        (11,284)         8,038         15,311          5,556         4,092           24,959
Interest expense...........     (8,682)          (668)          (869) (e)   (10,219)         --           (9,753)(l)      (19,972)
Bankruptcy reorganization
 expenses..................     (3,361)(h)      --              --           (3,361)         --             --             (3,361)
Minority interest..........       --           (1,506)         1,506(f)        --            --             --             --
                             ------------  -------------  --------------  ------------  ------------  ---------------  -----------
Income (loss) from
 continuing operations
 before income taxes.......      6,514        (13,458)         8,675          1,731          5,556        (5,661)           1,626
Provision for income
 taxes.....................     (3,313)        (5,085)          --  (g)      (8,398)         --             --  (g)        (8,398)
                             ------------  -------------  --------------  ------------  ------------  ---------------  -----------
      Income (loss) from
       continuing
       operations..........      3,201        (18,543)         8,675         (6,667)         5,556        (5,661)          (6,772)
Loss from discontinued
 operations................       (468)         --              --             (468)         --             --               (468)
                             ------------  -------------  --------------  ------------  ------------  ---------------  -----------
      Net income (loss)....  $   2,733     $  (18,543)     $   8,675      $  (7,135)     $   5,556     $  (5,661)       $  (7,240)
                             ------------  -------------  --------------  ------------  ------------  ---------------  -----------
                             ------------  -------------  --------------  ------------  ------------  ---------------  -----------
  Net income (loss) per
   share and equivalent
   share (Note 3): ........
    Continuing
     operations............  $    0.20                                    $   (0.20   )                                $    (0.20 )
    Discontinued
     operations............      (0.03   )                                    (0.01   )                                     (0.01 )
                             ------------                                 ------------                                 -----------
    Net income (loss)......  $    0.17                                    $   (0.21   )                                $    (0.21 )
                             ------------                                 ------------                                 -----------
                             ------------                                 ------------                                 -----------
Weighted average shares and
 equivalent shares.........     15,742                                       33,764                                        33,764
                             ------------                                 ------------                                 -----------
                             ------------                                 ------------                                 -----------
Ratio of earnings to fixed
 charges (Note 4)..........                                                                                                  1.07x
 
EBITDA (A)                                                                                                             $   64,794
                                                                                                                       -----------
                                                                                                                       -----------
Adjusted EBITDA (A)                                                                                                    $   70,437
                                                                                                                       -----------
                                                                                                                       -----------
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
 
(A)  See "Selected Consolidated Financial Information" for definitions of EBITDA
    and Adjusted EBITDA.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
                     NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED
                             STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
NOTE 1 -- PRESENTATION OF HISTORICAL AMOUNTS
    The condensed consolidated  financial statements of  Hexcel for the  quarter
ended  March 31, 1996 include the results  of operations of the acquired portion
of the Ciba  Composites Business  from March  1, 1996,  to March  31, 1996,  and
exclude  Danutec for  the period  then ended.  The condensed  combined financial
statements of Ciba  Composites Business  for the  quarter ended  March 31,  1996
include  the results of operations of Danutec for the quarter and the results of
operations of the acquired portion of the Ciba Composites Business from  January
1,  1996 to February 29, 1996 (the  date of the Ciba Acquisition), which include
sales to Ciba Composites international distribution operations as if such  sales
were  third-party  sales.  Such  international  distribution  operations  may be
transferred to the Company at the Company's option by February 28, 1997.
 
    The condensed combined financial statements of the Ciba Composites  Business
for  the year ended December  31, 1995 include the  results of operations of the
Ciba Composites Business, including Danutec.
 
NOTE 2 -- PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
 
    CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        THE         THE
                                                                                                       YEAR       QUARTER
                                                                                                       ENDED       ENDED
                                                                                                     12/31/95     3/31/96
                                                                                                     ---------  -----------
                                                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>        <C>                                                                                       <C>        <C>
(a)        Adjustment to eliminate net sales between the Ciba Composites Business and Hexcel.......  $  (3,207)  $     (75)
                                                                                                     ---------  -----------
                                                                                                     ---------  -----------
(b)        Adjustment to reflect the following:
           Elimination of cost of sales between the Ciba Composites Business and Hexcel............  $   2,708   $      63
           Reduction in depreciation costs resulting from the restatement at fair value of the net
            property, plant and equipment of the Ciba Composites Business..........................      4,152         692
                                                                                                     ---------  -----------
           Net adjustment                                                                            $   6,860   $     755
                                                                                                     ---------  -----------
                                                                                                     ---------  -----------
(c)        Adjustment to reflect the following:
           Reduction in amortization expense and write-downs of intangible assets resulting from
            the elimination of the intangible assets of the Ciba Composites Business in connection
            with the purchase price allocation                                                       $   6,930   $     687
           Amortization of the excess of purchase price over net assets acquired (20 year
            amortization period)...................................................................     (2,215)       (369)
           Amortization of capitalized fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Credit
            Facility (3 year amortization period)..................................................       (330)        (55)
                                                                                                     ---------  -----------
           Net adjustment..........................................................................  $   4,385   $     263
                                                                                                     ---------  -----------
                                                                                                     ---------  -----------
(d)        Adjustment to eliminate acquisition related costs that were reimbursed by Ciba and not
            part of the ongoing Ciba Composites Business...........................................              $     500
                                                                                                                -----------
                                                                                                                -----------
(e)        Adjustment to reflect the following:
           Elimination of interest expense on liabilities of the Ciba Composites Business which are
            not assumed by Hexcel..................................................................  $   1,032   $     172
           Net reduction in interest expense resulting from the refinancing of certain credit
            facilities with the Old Credit Facility................................................        992         165
           Estimated interest expense on the Ciba Notes............................................     (2,893)       (482)
                                                                                                     ---------  -----------
           Net adjustment..........................................................................  $    (869)  $    (145)
                                                                                                     ---------  -----------
                                                                                                     ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
(f) Adjustment to eliminate  the minority interest in  the operating results  of
    the Ciba Composites Business.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
                     NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED
                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 2 -- PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS (CONTINUED)
(g)  The income  tax consequences  of the  cumulative pro  forma adjustments are
    estimated to  be  zero.  This is  due  to  the fact  that  the  Company  has
    sufficient  net operating loss carryforwards and other deductions for income
    tax purposes to substantially eliminate any tax liabilities arising from pro
    forma adjustments.
 
(h)  On  February  9,  1995,  Hexcel  emerged  from  bankruptcy   reorganization
    proceedings  which had begun  on December 6, 1993.  In connection with those
    proceedings,  Hexcel   incurred   bankruptcy  reorganization   expenses   of
    approximately $3.4 million during the year ended December 31, 1995. Although
    the  resolution of  certain bankruptcy-related  issues, including  the final
    settlement of disputed  claims and professional  fees, resulted in  expenses
    being  incurred  after  February  9,  1995,  Hexcel  has  not  incurred  any
    significant bankruptcy-related expenses since October 1, 1995.
 
    HERCULES COMPOSITES BUSINESS PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
 
(i) Adjustment to eliminate net  sales between the Hercules Composites  Business
    and Hexcel.
 
(j)  Adjustment to reflect the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      THE        THE
                                                                                                     YEAR      QUARTER
                                                                                                     ENDED      ENDED
                                                                                                   12/31/95    3/31/96
                                                                                                   ---------  ---------
                                                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>        <C>                                                                                     <C>        <C>
           Elimination of cost of sales between the Hercules Composites Business and Hexcel......  $   6,116  $   1,411
           Increase in depreciation costs resulting from the restatement at fair value of the net
            property, plant and equipment of the Hercules Composites Business....................       (523)      (166)
                                                                                                   ---------  ---------
           Net adjustment........................................................................  $   5,593  $   1,245
                                                                                                   ---------  ---------
                                                                                                   ---------  ---------
(k)        Adjustment  to eliminate Hercules' allocations to the  Hercules Composites Business that management believes
           are not part of the ongoing business.
(l)        Adjustment to reflect the following:
           Interest expense on $41.9 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility at an
            assumed rate of 6.0% per annum.......................................................  $  (2,514) $    (629)
           Interest expense on the Notes at an assumed rate of 6 1/4% per annum..................     (6,250)    (1,562)
           Amortization of debt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility....................       (833)      (208)
           Amortization of debt issuance costs related to the Notes..............................       (486)      (122)
           Elimination of amortization of prior debt issuance costs..............................        330         56
                                                                                                   ---------  ---------
           Net adjustment........................................................................  $  (9,753) $  (2,465)
                                                                                                   ---------  ---------
                                                                                                   ---------  ---------
           For every 1/4% point  change in the  assumed interest rate with  respect to the  Notes, the annual  interest
            expense on the Notes would change by $250,000.
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 3 -- PER SHARE AMOUNTS
    Primary  and  fully diluted  net  income (loss)  per  share for  all periods
presented were the same because the fully diluted computation was  antidilutive.
If  the Notes were converted, pro forma income (loss) from continuing operations
per share would be $0.08  for the quarter ended March  31, 1996 and ($0.01)  for
the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
NOTE 4 -- RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
    If  pro forma earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 1996 were adjusted to
exclude business consolidation and acquisition costs, other income (expense) and
bankruptcy reorganization expenses, the ratio  of earnings to fixed charges  for
such  period would be 2.05x.  If pro forma earnings  for the year ended December
31, 1995  were  adjusted to  exclude  these  nonrecurring items,  the  ratio  of
earnings to fixed charges for such period would be 1.33x.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
                  SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
THE COMPANY
    The selected historical financial information of the Company set forth below
has  been  derived from  the audited  consolidated  financial statements  of the
Company as  of and  for the  five years  ended December  31, 1995  and from  the
unaudited  condensed consolidated financial statements of  the Company as of and
for the quarters ended March 31, 1996 and April 2, 1995. The selected historical
financial information as of and for the quarters ended March 31, 1996 and  April
2,  1995 is derived from unaudited financial statements which, in the opinion of
the Company's  management,  include  all  adjustments  necessary  for  the  fair
presentation   of  such  information.  Results   for  interim  periods  are  not
necessarily indicative  of results  for the  full year.  The following  selected
financial  information is qualified  in its entirety  by, and should  be read in
conjunction with,  the  Company's  consolidated  financial  statements  and  the
related notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
                           ------------------------                    FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                           MARCH 31,     APRIL 2,     ------------------------------------------------------------------
                             1996          1995         1995          1994           1993           1992         1991
                           ---------   ------------   ---------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ---------
                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                        <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA:
  Net sales..............  $126,418    $     85,155   $ 350,238   $    313,795   $    310,635   $    352,987   $ 355,601
  Cost of sales..........   (99,635)        (70,360)   (283,148)      (265,367)      (263,090)      (285,088)   (284,875)
                           ---------   ------------   ---------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ---------
    Gross margin.........    26,783          14,795      67,090         48,428         47,545         67,899      70,726
  Selling, general &
   administrative
   expenses..............   (17,482)        (12,166)    (49,324)       (45,785)       (52,510)       (62,053)    (54,797)
  Business acquisition
   and consolidation
   expenses (a)..........    (5,211)        --           --            --             (46,600)       (23,000)     --
  Other income (expense),
   net...................     2,697         --              791          4,861        (12,780)         2,992      --
                           ---------   ------------   ---------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ---------
    Operating income
     (loss)..............     6,787           2,629      18,557          7,504        (64,345)       (14,162)     15,929
  Interest expense.......    (3,633)         (2,363)     (8,682)       (11,846)        (8,862)        (8,196)    (10,870)
  Bankruptcy
   reorganization
   expenses..............     --             (2,125)     (3,361)       (20,152)          (641)       --           --
                           ---------   ------------   ---------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ---------
    Income (loss) from
     continuing
     operations before
     income taxes........     3,154          (1,859)      6,514        (24,494)       (73,848)       (22,358)      5,059
  Benefit (provision) for
   income taxes..........    (1,306)           (510)     (3,313)        (3,586)        (6,024)         6,375          54
                           ---------   ------------   ---------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ---------
    Income (loss) from
     continuing
     operations..........  $  1,848    $     (2,369)  $   3,201   $    (28,080)  $    (79,872)  $    (15,983)  $   5,113
                           ---------   ------------   ---------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ---------
                           ---------   ------------   ---------   ------------   ------------   ------------   ---------
    Income (loss) per
     share from
     continuing
     operations (b)......  $   0.07    $      (0.27)  $    0.20   $      (3.84)  $     (10.89)  $      (2.20)  $    0.72
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT
 PERIOD END):
  Working capital........  $137,599    $     22,627   $  61,570   $    (22,955)  $     61,745   $     80,696   $ 135,154
  Property, plant and
   equipment, net........   192,229          85,661      85,955         83,113        107,726        130,758     131,252
  Total assets...........   485,725         231,626     230,602        243,457        263,242        310,660     359,974
  Short-term debt
   (including current
   portion of long-term
   debt).................     6,809          33,616       1,802         56,918         24,596         22,216      23,822
  Long-term debt.........   138,281          54,841      88,342         52,621         92,540         95,145     117,841
  Shareholders' equity
   (deficit).............   195,416          36,856      48,374         (5,885)        20,753        106,149     144,323
OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA (c).............  $ 11,241    $      3,312   $  26,819   $      1,582   $    (50,106)  $      1,572   $  31,350
  Adjusted EBITDA (c)....    13,755           5,437      29,389         16,873          9,915         21,580      31,350
  Capital expenditures...     2,285           2,090      12,144          8,362          6,264         16,220      13,451
  Ratio of earnings to
   fixed charges (d).....      1.81x        --             1.68x       --             --             --             1.41x
  Percentage of total
   debt to total
   capitalization (at
   period end)...........     42.6%           70.6%       65.1%         105.7%          84.9%          52.5%       49.5%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(a)  Business  acquisition and consolidation expenses include amounts previously
     reported as "Restructuring expenses."
(b)  Primary and  fully diluted  net  income (loss)  per share  from  continuing
     operations  for  all  periods presented  were  the same  because  the fully
     diluted computation was antidilutive.
(c)  "EBITDA" is defined as income  from continuing operations before  interest,
     taxes  and depreciation and  amortization. "Adjusted EBITDA"  is defined as
     EBITDA plus business acquisition  and consolidation expenses, other  income
     (expense) and bankruptcy reorganization expenses. The Company believes that
     EBITDA  and  Adjusted  EBITDA  provide  useful  information  regarding  the
     Company's ability  to  service  its  indebtedness, but  it  should  not  be
     considered  in isolation  or as a  substitute for operating  income or cash
     flow from  operations  (in  each  case as  determined  in  accordance  with
     generally  accepted accounting principles) as an indicator of the Company's
     operating performance or as a measure of the Company's liquidity.
(d)  Earnings consist of income (loss) from continuing operations before  income
     taxes.  Fixed  charges consist  of interest  expense, amortization  of fees
     related to debt financing and rent  expense deemed to be interest. For  the
     quarter ended April 2, 1995 and the years ended December 31, 1994, 1993 and
     1992,  earnings were insufficient  to cover fixed  charges by approximately
     $1.9 million, $24.5 million, $73.8 million and $22.4 million, respectively.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
THE CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS
 
    The  selected  historical  financial  information  of  the  Ciba  Composites
Business  set forth below  has been derived from  the audited combined financial
statements of the Ciba Composites Business as  of and for the three years  ended
December  31, 1995. The following selected financial information is qualified in
its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the combined  financial
statements  of  the  Ciba Composites  Business  and the  related  notes thereto,
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                       -------------------------------------------
                                                                           1995           1994           1993
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA (A):
  Net sales..........................................................  $     331,073  $     292,611  $     271,258
  Cost of sales......................................................       (273,997)      (249,717)      (244,247)
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
    Gross profit.....................................................         57,076         42,894         27,011
  Selling, general and administrative and research and development
   expenses..........................................................        (57,966)       (53,417)       (53,713)
  Amortization and write-downs of intangible assets..................         (6,930)       (10,219)        (5,734)
  Restructuring expenses.............................................         (2,362)        (1,600)        (7,722)
  Other income (expense).............................................         (1,102)         2,979           (241)
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
    Operating loss...................................................        (11,284)       (19,363)       (40,399)
  Interest expense...................................................           (668)        (1,193)        (2,236)
  Minority interest..................................................         (1,506)          (891)          (245)
  Benefit (provision) for income taxes...............................         (5,085)        (2,843)           962
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
    Loss before cumulative effect of accounting changes..............        (18,543)       (24,290)       (41,918)
  Cumulative effect of accounting changes............................       --             --               (7,077)
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
    Net loss.........................................................  $     (18,543) $     (24,290) $     (48,995)
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
  Working capital....................................................  $      69,851  $      73,847
  Property, plant and equipment, net.................................        156,364        161,153
  Total assets.......................................................        340,294        352,420
  Short-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)......         10,469          8,867
  Long-term debt.....................................................         15,097         43,640
  Minority interest..................................................          6,968          5,048
  Owner's equity.....................................................        236,949        226,136
OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA.............................................................  $       8,865  $       5,833  $     (14,946)
  Adjusted EBITDA....................................................         12,329          4,454         (6,983)
  Capital expenditures...............................................         13,214          7,685         12,280
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(a) The Ciba Composites Business was a combination of wholly owned divisions and
    subsidiaries of Ciba during  all the periods  for which selected  historical
    financial  information  is presented.  Consequently, per  share data  is not
    applicable and has not been presented.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
THE HERCULES COMPOSITES BUSINESS
 
    The selected  historical financial  information of  the Hercules  Composites
Business  set forth below has been derived from the audited financial statements
of the Hercules Composites Business as of and for the three years ended December
31, 1995.  The following  selected  financial information  is qualified  in  its
entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the financial statements of
the  Hercules  Composites  Business  and  the  related  notes  thereto, included
elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                             -------------------------------------
                                                                                1995         1994         1993
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA (A):
  Net sales................................................................  $   100,449  $   100,113  $   101,448
  Cost of sales............................................................      (83,748)     (94,786)     (92,298)
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
  Gross profit.............................................................       16,701        5,327        9,150
  Selling, general and administrative expenses.............................       (4,450)      (5,369)      (6,044)
  Allocated selling, general and administrative expenses (b)...............       (7,086)      (6,047)      (6,336)
  Other operating income (expense), net....................................          391       (1,670)      (1,755)
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
    Income (loss) before taxes and effect of changes in accounting
     principles............................................................        5,556       (7,759)      (4,985)
  Provision for taxes on income............................................      --           --           --
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
    Income (loss) before effect of changes in accounting principles........        5,556       (7,759)      (4,985)
  Effect of changes in accounting principles...............................      --           --            (3,916)
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net income (loss)......................................................  $     5,556  $    (7,759) $    (8,901)
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
  Working capital..........................................................  $    33,026  $    47,680
  Property, plant and equipment, net.......................................       95,015       96,780
  Total assets.............................................................      140,584      158,318
  Short-term debt (including current portion of long-term debt)............      --           --
  Long-term debt...........................................................      --           --
  Minority interest........................................................      --            12,000
  Division equity..........................................................      128,029      132,319
OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA...................................................................  $    14,951  $     1,693  $     4,537
  Adjusted EBITDA (c)......................................................       14,560        3,363        6,292
  Capital expenditures.....................................................        8,543        1,871        1,740
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(a) The  Hercules  Composites  Business  was  a  combination  of  divisions  and
    subsidiaries  of  Hercules  during all  of  the periods  for  which selected
    historical financial information is presented. Consequently, per share  data
    is not applicable and has not been presented.
 
(b) Represents  allocated selling, general  and administrative expenses incurred
    by Hercules  and  allocated  to  the  Hercules  Composites  Business.  These
    allocations  may not represent the cost  of similar activities on a separate
    entity basis.
 
(c) Adjusted EBITDA  excluding  allocated selling,  general  and  administrative
    expenses  from Hercules would have been approximately $21.6 million in 1995,
    $9.4 million in 1994 and $12.6 million in 1993.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS RELATES TO THE FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS  OF  OPERATIONS OF  (I) HEXCEL  FOR  THE QUARTERS  ENDED MARCH  31, 1996
(INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL  CONDITION AND THE  RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  OF THE  CIBA
COMPOSITES  BUSINESS ACQUIRED ON FEBRUARY 29,  1996 OTHER THAN DANUTEC WHICH WAS
ACQUIRED ON MAY 30, 1996) AND APRIL  2, 1995 AND THE THREE YEARS ENDED  DECEMBER
31,  1995  AND (II)  THE  CIBA COMPOSITES  BUSINESS  FOR THE  THREE  YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1995.  THE DISCUSSION AND  ANALYSIS SHOULD BE  READ IN  CONJUNCTION
WITH  THE  SELECTED  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION  AND  THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF  THE COMPANY AND  THE CIBA COMPOSITES  BUSINESS AND  THE
NOTES THERETO APPEARING ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
HEXCEL
GENERAL
 
    CIBA ACQUISITION AND CONSOLIDATION
 
    On February 29, 1996, the Company acquired the worldwide composites division
(the "Ciba Composites Business") of Ciba and Ciba-Geigy Corporation ("CGC"). The
Ciba  Acquisition  was consummated  pursuant to  a Strategic  Alliance Agreement
dated as of September 29, 1995 among Ciba, CGC, and the Company, as amended (the
"Strategic Alliance  Agreement"). Under  the Strategic  Alliance Agreement,  the
Company acquired the Ciba Composites Business in exchange for: (i) approximately
18 million newly issued shares of Hexcel common stock; (ii) $25 million in cash;
and   (iii)  undertakings  to  deliver  to  Ciba  and/or  one  or  more  of  its
subsidiaries, following completion of certain post-closing adjustment procedures
contemplated by the Strategic Alliance Agreement, the Ciba Notes in an aggregate
principal amount of approximately $43 million, subject to certain adjustments  ,
and  senior demand  notes in  a principal amount  equal to  the cash  on hand at
certain of the non-U.S. subsidiaries  included in the Ciba Composites  Business.
On a pro forma basis as of March 31, 1996, the aggregate principal amount of the
Ciba  Notes, determined in accordance with the formula included in the Strategic
Alliance Agreement, was estimated at  approximately $32.6 million. However,  the
actual  aggregate principal amount of the Ciba Notes is expected to exceed $32.6
million, as a result of the pending  acquisition of certain other assets of  the
Ciba Composites Business that have not yet been transferred to the Company.
 
    In  May, 1996, Hexcel announced a program to consolidate its operations over
a period of  approximately three years.  The total cost  of this program,  which
excludes additional costs and expenses that may be incurred due to modifications
to the program that may result from the Hercules Acquisition, is estimated to be
approximately  $49  million. This  estimate  includes $5.2  million  of expenses
incurred in the first quarter of  1996, an estimated $32 million charge  against
earnings expected to be incurred in the second quarter of 1996 and approximately
$12 million to be recognized thereafter. Cash expenditures necessary to complete
the  business  consolidation program  are  expected to  total  approximately $44
million, net of estimated proceeds  from asset sales. Management estimates  that
the program will result in annual cost savings of approximately $28 million when
it  is fully  implemented in 1999,  and that  for the period  1996 through 1998,
costs associated with the program (estimated  net of proceeds from asset  sales)
are expected to equal the incremental cash savings generated by the program. The
foregoing   estimates  of  total   cost  of  the   consolidation  program,  cash
expenditures and annual cost savings constitute forward-looking information. The
failure of any of these assumptions underlying such estimates to be realized may
cause the  actual amounts  to differ  materially from  the estimates  set  forth
above. For a discussion of the assumptions and other important factors that will
affect   actual  amounts,  see  "Risk  Factors  --  Forward-Looking  Statements;
Consolidation Program."
 
    The objective of this program is to integrate acquired assets and operations
into  the  Company,  reorganize  and  rationalize  the  Company's  research  and
manufacturing  activities around  strategic centers dedicated  to select product
technologies, eliminate excess manufacturing capacity and rationalize  redundant
sales   and   marketing  functions.   Specific   actions  contemplated   by  the
consolidation program include the previously  announced closure of the  Anaheim,
California facility acquired from
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
Ciba,  the  closure  of a  portion  of  the Welkenraedt,  Belgium  facility, the
reorganization  of  the  Company's  manufacturing  operations  in  France,   the
consolidation  of  the  Company's United  States  Special  Process manufacturing
activities and the integration of sales and marketing resources.
 
    HERCULES ACQUISITION
 
    On June   ,  1996, the Company acquired  the composite products division  of
Hercules Incorporated ("Hercules"), which includes HISPAN Corporation, Hercules'
carbon  fibers and  prepreg business units  and Hercules  Aerospace Espana, S.A.
(collectively, the  "Hercules  Composites Business")  for  approximately  $135.0
million   in  cash   (excluding  transaction  costs)   subject  to  post-closing
adjustments. The Hercules Composites Business is engaged in the manufacture  and
marketing  of prepregs  and carbon  fiber for  aerospace and  other markets. See
"Business -- Strategic Repositioning -- Strategic Acquisitions."
 
    SUMMARY OF RESULTS
 
    The following table is derived from the Company's Consolidated Statements of
Operations for  the periods  indicated and  presents the  historical results  of
operations as a percentage of net sales:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  QUARTER ENDED
                                                            -------------------------         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                             MARCH 31,     APRIL 2,    -------------------------------------
                                                                1996         1995         1995         1994         1993
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Net sales.................................................       100.0%       100.0%       100.0%       100.0%       100.0%
Gross margin..............................................        21.2         17.4         19.2         15.4         15.3
Selling, general and administrative.......................       (13.8)       (14.3)       (14.1)       (14.6)       (16.9)
Business acquisition and consolidation expenses (a).......        (4.1)       --           --           --           (15.0)
Other income (expense)....................................         2.1        --             0.2          1.6         (4.1)
                                                                 -----        -----        -----        -----        -----
Operating income (loss)...................................         5.4%         3.1%         5.3%         2.4%       (20.7)%
                                                                 -----        -----        -----        -----        -----
                                                                 -----        -----        -----        -----        -----
Income (loss) from continuing operations..................         1.5%        (2.8)%        0.9%        (8.9)%      (25.7)%
                                                                 -----        -----        -----        -----        -----
                                                                 -----        -----        -----        -----        -----
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(a) Business  acquisition and consolidation  expenses include amounts previously
    reported as "Restructuring expenses."
 
QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 COMPARED TO QUARTER ENDED APRIL 2, 1995
 
    NET SALES.   Net sales increased  from $85.2 million  to $126.4 million,  an
increase of $41.2 million, or 48.4%. Approximately $27.6 million of the increase
represents  the former Ciba Composites Business  sales for the period from March
1, 1996 through March 31, 1996. Net sales increased 16.0% before considering the
impact of the Ciba Acquisition. The increase in net sales primarily reflects  an
increase in demand for certain products used in the commercial aerospace market,
further  penetration  of  selected  recreation  and  general  industrial markets
(particularly printed circuit boards) and  continued improvement in the  overall
economic  environment in both the U.S. and Europe. Sales were higher in both the
U.S. and Europe. Due to the highly competitive nature of most of the markets  in
which  the Company competes, product price changes were not a significant factor
in first quarter 1996 sales growth.
 
    GROSS MARGIN.  Gross margin increased  from $14.8 million to $26.8  million,
an  increase  of $12.0  million,  or 81.1%.  Approximately  $4.5 million  of the
increase was attributable to the Ciba Acquisition. Gross margin as a  percentage
of  net sales also increased from 17.4%  to 21.2%. Gross margins improved in the
Company's  reinforcement  fabrics,  composite  materials  and  special   process
businesses. The improvement in reinforcement fabrics and special process was due
to  a combination of  increased sales volumes  and more efficient manufacturing.
The improvement in gross margin on  sales of composite materials also  reflected
the  benefits  of  higher sales  volume  and  the benefits  from  completing the
consolidation of selected honeycomb production activities into the Casa  Grande,
Arizona location.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
    OPERATING  INCOME.  Operating income was  $6.8 million for the first quarter
of 1996, a $4.2  million increase over  the same period  of 1995. This  increase
reflects  the $12.0 million improvement in gross  margin and the $2.7 million of
other income  noted below,  which was  partially offset  by an  additional  $5.3
million  of selling,  general and administrative  expenses, and  $5.2 million of
business acquisition  and  consolidation  expenses.  The  increase  in  selling,
general  and  administrative  expenses  was  largely  attributable  to  the Ciba
Composites Business.
 
    Business acquisition  and  consolidation  expenses were  comprised  of  $3.6
million  in compensation expense resulting from  stock options that were granted
in 1995  subject to  stockholder  approval and  stock  options which  vested  in
connection  with  the  Ciba  Acquisition,  as  well  as  $1.6  million  of other
acquisition-related costs. Other income  was attributable to  the receipt of  an
additional  $1.6  million of  cash  in connection  with  the disposition  of the
Chandler,  Arizona  manufacturing  facility  and  certain  related  assets   and
technology  in 1994, and to  the partial settlement for  $1.1 million of a claim
arising from  the sale  of certain  assets in  1991. The  results for  the  1996
quarter  also  include  $1.6 million  of  interest expense  attributable  to the
write-off of capitalized debt financing costs as a result of the refinancing  of
certain credit facilities in connection with the Ciba Acquisition.
 
    The  results for the 1995 quarter include bankruptcy reorganization expenses
of $2.1 million.
 
    NET INCOME.  Net income  for the first quarter of  1996 was $1.8 million  or
$0.07  per share, compared with a net loss for the first quarter of 1995 of $2.5
million or $0.28 per share. The results for the 1996 quarter include the results
of the Ciba Composites Business for the period from March 1, 1996 through  March
31, 1996.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
    NET  SALES.  Net sales  increased from $313.8 million  to $350.2 million, an
increase of $36.4 million, or 11.6%. The improvement in sales is attributable to
increased sales  of prepregs  and reinforcement  fabrics, which  were  partially
offset  by  decreased  sales  of  honeycomb.  Sales  of  prepregs  to commercial
aerospace  and  general  industrial  markets  were  higher,  as  were  sales  of
reinforcement   fabrics  for  use  in  the  recreation  and  general  industrial
(primarily printed  circuit boards  and ballistics)  markets. In  addition,  the
Company  benefited  from  a  significant  military  contract  for  prepregs, and
improved sales  of honeycomb  to the  commercial aerospace  market. The  overall
decrease  in honeycomb sales is attributable  to the divestiture of the Chandler
facility and the  related reduction  in military aerospace  sales. The  Chandler
facility  and certain  related assets and  technology were sold  to the Northrop
Grumman Corporation in December  1994. Due to the  highly competitive nature  of
most  of the markets in  which the Company competes,  product price changes were
not a significant factor in 1995 sales growth.
 
    U.S. sales increased from $171.5 million  to $179.5 million, an increase  of
$8.0  million, or 4.7%. This increase is primarily attributable to a significant
military contract for prepregs  and improved sales  of reinforcement fabrics  to
general   industrial  and  other  markets.  The  reduction  in  honeycomb  sales
attributable to the divestiture of the Chandler facility was partially offset by
increased sales of honeycomb to commercial aerospace and other markets.
 
    International sales  increased from  $142.3 million  to $170.7  million,  an
increase  of $28.4  million, or  20.0%. This  increase reflects  higher sales of
prepregs and reinforcement fabrics to recreation and general industrial  markets
(primarily  printed circuit boards),  as well as increased  sales of prepregs to
certain European commercial  aerospace customers. Changes  in currency  exchange
rates  were also a factor in the increase. During 1995, the U.S. dollar declined
against most of the major European currencies, including the Belgian and  French
francs.  Accordingly,  sales  from Hexcel's  primary  international subsidiaries
increased when translated into U.S. dollars.
 
    Commercial Aerospace Sales -- Worldwide  sales of prepregs and honeycomb  to
the commercial aerospace market increased from $147.5 million to $159.0 million,
an increase of $11.5 million, or
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
7.8%.  This increase  is attributable to  both modest improvements  in the build
rates for certain commercial  aircraft, as well as  increased sales of  selected
products.  In  addition,  the  Company  benefited  from  the  improved  economic
environment in Europe.
 
    Space and Defense Sales -- Worldwide  sales increased from $34.9 million  to
$37.3   million,  an  increase  of  $2.4  million,  or  6.9%.  The  increase  is
attributable to a significant military  contract for prepregs, partially  offset
by  a decline in  honeycomb sales. The  decline in honeycomb  sales reflects the
divestiture of  the Chandler  facility  and the  related reduction  in  military
aerospace sales.
 
    Recreation  and General Industrial  Sales -- Worldwide  sales increased from
$131.4 million to $153.9 million, an increase of $22.5 million, or 17.1%.  Sales
of  new products introduced within the past few years continued to grow, and the
Company benefited from  strong European  demand for printed  circuit boards.  In
addition,  sales of  lightweight, high  strength materials  for use  in athletic
shoes, golf club shafts, energy  absorption products and certain automotive  and
mass transit components remained strong.
 
    GROSS  MARGIN.  Gross margin increased  from $48.4 million to $67.1 million,
an increase of  $18.7 million, or  38.6%. Gross  margin as a  percentage of  net
sales  increased from 15.4% to  19.2% primarily due to  higher sales, as well as
certain manufacturing cost reductions. Cost  reductions included the closure  of
the Graham, Texas plant, the sale of the Chandler facility and the consolidation
of  selected honeycomb production activities into  Hexcel's site at Casa Grande,
Arizona. Although these measures were initially undertaken in 1993 and 1994, the
transfer of certain production processes from Graham and Chandler to Casa Grande
was not completed until the middle of 1995. Consequently, the beneficial  impact
of  these  facility reductions  and  the consolidation  of  honeycomb production
activities began to be realized during 1995.
 
    SELLING, GENERAL  AND  ADMINISTRATIVE  ("SG&A")  EXPENSES.    SG&A  expenses
increased  from $45.8 million to $49.3 million,  an increase of $3.5 million, or
7.6%. However, SG&A expenses as a  percentage of net sales decreased from  14.6%
to  14.1%.  The increase  in  SG&A expenses  is  largely attributable  to higher
selling expenses, certain costs incurred in connection with the Ciba Acquisition
and changes  in currency  exchange  rates. SG&A  expenses include  research  and
technology expenses of $7.6 million in 1995 and $8.2 million in 1994.
 
    INTEREST  EXPENSE.   Interest expense decreased  from $11.8  million to $8.7
million, a decrease of $3.1 million,  or 26.3%. The 1994 total includes  accrued
interest  on  prepetition accounts  payable and  notes payable  as well  as $2.5
million for bankruptcy claims  and working capital  financing. The decline  also
reflects  the  payment  of  various  debt  obligations  with  proceeds  from the
subscription rights offering in February 1995 and the Chandler transaction.
 
    INCOME TAXES.  As of December 31,  1995, the Company had net operating  loss
("NOL")  carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes of approximately $65
million and approximately $5 million for international income tax purposes.  The
U.S.  NOL carryforwards,  which are available  to offset  future taxable income,
expire at various  dates through the  year 2010.  As a result  of the  ownership
changes  which occurred in connection with the emergence from Chapter 11 and the
acquisition of  the  Ciba  Composites  Business, utilization  of  the  U.S.  NOL
carryforwards is subject to certain annual limitations.
 
    Both  the  1995 and  1994 income  tax  provisions of  $3.3 million  and $3.6
million resulted  primarily  from state  income  taxes and  taxable  income  for
certain  European  subsidiaries. In  addition, the  1994 provision  includes the
impact of settling various tax audits. The Company fully reserved the income tax
assets generated by the pre-tax losses of certain subsidiaries in 1995 and 1994,
due to uncertainty as to the realization of those assets.
 
    NET INCOME.  The Company generated income from continuing operations of $3.2
million in  1995,  compared with  losses  from continuing  operations  of  $28.1
million in 1994. The Company earned net income of $2.7 million in 1995, compared
with    net   losses   of   $30.0   million    in   1994.   The   1994   results
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
include $20.2 million of bankruptcy reorganization expenses, as well as interest
expenses for bankruptcy claims  and working capital  financing of $2.5  million,
and a provision for the settlement of various tax audits of $1.8 million.
 
    Results  for  1995  include  other income  of  $0.8  million  and bankruptcy
reorganization expenses of  $3.4 million.  Other income relates  primarily to  a
contingent payment received in connection with the sale of the Chandler, Arizona
manufacturing facility and certain related assets and technology.
 
    Losses from discontinued operations totaled $0.5 million and $1.9 million in
1995   and  1994,  respectively.  These  losses   reflect  the  results  of  the
discontinued resins business, including provisions to write down the net  assets
of that business by $2.8 million in 1994. The divestiture of the resins business
was completed in October 1995.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
    NET  SALES.  Net sales  increased from $310.6 million  to $313.8 million, an
increase of $3.2 million, or 1.0%. The slight improvement in sales is  primarily
attributable to increased sales of prepregs and reinforcement fabrics in Europe,
partially  offset by  decreased U.S.  sales of  honeycomb. Sales  of prepregs to
commercial aerospace and general industrial  markets were higher, as were  sales
of  reinforcement  fabrics  for use  in  the recreation  and  general industrial
(primarily electrical  printed  circuit  boards  and  ballistics)  markets.  The
overall decrease in honeycomb sales is attributable to the reduction in military
aerospace sales.
 
    U.S.  sales decreased from  $185.3 million to $171.5  million, a decrease of
$13.8 million, or 7.4%.  The decrease in  U.S. sales was  mainly due to  reduced
sales  of prepregs and  honeycomb to commercial  and military aerospace markets,
which were partially offset by improved sales of prepregs to general  industrial
and other markets.
 
    International  sales  increased from  $125.4 million  to $142.3  million, an
increase of  $16.9  million,  or  13.5%. The  increase  in  international  sales
reflects  higher sales of  prepregs and reinforcement  fabrics to recreation and
general industrial  (primarily electrical  printed circuit  boards) markets,  as
well  as increased sales of prepregs  to certain European aerospace customers. A
portion of the  increase is also  attributable to changes  in currency  exchange
rates.  The U.S. dollar  declined relative to  the Belgian and  French francs in
1994.
 
    Commercial Aerospace Sales -- Worldwide sales increased from $131.4  million
to  $147.5 million,  an increase  of $16.1  million, or  12.3%. The  increase is
attributable to the improved economic environment in Europe and introduction  of
new  products. Nonetheless, while sales of  individual products such as graphite
honeycomb and certain  prepreg products  increased in  1994 in  response to  the
production  of new wide-bodied  aircraft, the Company  continued to face intense
competition for  many of  the  products it  sells  to the  commercial  aerospace
market. Due to the highly competitive nature of most of the markets in which the
Company  competes, product price  changes were not a  significant factor in 1994
sales growth.
 
    Space and Defense Sales -- Worldwide  sales decreased from $55.3 million  to
$34.9 million, a decrease of $20.4 million, or 36.9%. The decline is a result of
reduced  honeycomb sales due  to the reduction in  military aerospace sales. The
reduction in space and  defense sales reflects  the Company's declining  volumes
associated  with the B-2 program as well as the general decline in U.S. military
spending.
 
    Recreation and General  Industrial Sales --  Worldwide sales increased  from
$123.9 million to $131.4 million, an increase of $7.5 million, or 6.1%. Sales of
new  products introduced within  the past few  years continued to  grow, and the
Company benefited from  strong European  demand for printed  circuit boards.  In
addition,  sales of  lightweight, high  strength materials  for use  in athletic
shoes, golf club shafts, energy  absorption products and certain automotive  and
mass transit components remained relatively strong.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
    GROSS  MARGIN.  Gross margin increased  from $47.5 million to $48.4 million,
an increase of $0.9 million, or 1.9%. Gross margin as a percentage of net  sales
increased slightly from 15.3% to 15.4%. While the Company undertook several cost
cutting  measures in 1994 and 1993, the benefits were not significantly realized
until 1995.
 
    SG&A EXPENSES.  SG&A expenses decreased from $52.5 million to $45.8 million,
a decrease of $6.7 million, or 12.8%. The decrease was mainly due to significant
headcount reductions  made during  1993 and  the first  quarter of  1994.  These
headcount  reductions were achieved through a reorganization of sales, marketing
and administrative  functions to  reduce redundancies  and inefficiencies.  SG&A
expenses  included research  and technology  expenses of  $8.2 million  and $8.0
million in 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE.   Interest expense  increased from $8.9  million to  $11.8
million,  an  increase of  $2.9  million, or  32.6%.  The increase  reflects the
accrual of interest on bankruptcy claims beginning December 6, 1993, the cost of
a debtor-in-possession  credit facility  and higher  interest rates  on  certain
variable rate obligations. These factors were partially offset by reduced levels
of borrowing by the Company's European subsidiaries.
 
    NET INCOME.  The Company incurred losses from continuing operations of $28.1
million  in  1994, or  $3.84  per share,  compared  with losses  from continuing
operations of $79.9 million, or $10.89 per share, in 1993. The Company  incurred
net losses of $30.0 million and $86.0 million in 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
    Operating  results for 1994 included other income of $4.9 million, which was
largely  comprised  of  $15.9  million   in  income  related  to  the   Chandler
transaction,  less an  $8.0 million provision  to reflect the  estimated cost of
restructuring a joint venture and a $2.9 million provision for bankruptcy  claim
adjustments.  The 1994 loss from  continuing operations also included bankruptcy
reorganization expenses  of $20.2  million,  as well  as interest  expenses  for
bankruptcy  claims and working capital financing of $2.5 million and a provision
for the settlement of various tax audits of $1.8 million.
 
    Operating results from 1993 included restructuring charges of $46.6  million
(approximately  $27 million was for non-cash items) for a major expansion of the
restructuring program  begun in  December 1992.  The 1993  loss from  continuing
operations  also included other expenses of  $12.8 million for the write-down of
certain assets  and  increases  in reserves  for  warranties  and  environmental
matters on property previously owned. The impairment of assets was due primarily
to  the bankruptcy  proceedings, changes  in business  conditions, and depressed
real estate prices on property held for sale. In addition, the Company  recorded
a  $10.9 million provision in  1993 to reflect the  adverse impact of bankruptcy
proceedings and substantial  operating losses  on the  potential realization  of
deferred income tax benefits.
 
    Losses  from discontinued operations totaled  $1.9 million and $10.6 million
in 1994  and 1993,  respectively.  These losses  reflected  the results  of  the
discontinued  resins business, including provisions to write-down the net assets
of this  business  by  $2.8 million  in  1994  and $6.0  million  in  1993.  The
divestiture  of  the resins  business was  completed in  October 1995.  The 1993
losses  from  discontinued  operations  also   reflected  the  results  of   the
discontinued  specialty chemicals business, including  a provision to write-down
the net assets of this business by $2.8 million in 1993. The divestiture of  the
specialty chemicals business was completed in January 1994.
 
    In 1993, the Company recorded a one-time, cumulative benefit of $4.5 million
from the adoption of a new accounting standard for income taxes.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    During the quarters ended March 31, 1996 and April 2, 1995 net cash provided
by  (used  in)  operating  activities  was  $0.1  million  and  ($8.4)  million,
respectively. The cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter  of
1996  primarily reflects increased levels of  profitability which were offset by
an increase in accounts receivable. The increase in accounts receivable resulted
primarily
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
from strong March sales.  Other components of operating  cash flow included  the
payment  of interest and a net increase  in accounts payable. Changes in working
capital attributable to  the Ciba Acquisition  are not an  element of  operating
cash flow.
 
    During  the first quarter of 1995, net cash used by operating activities was
primarily attributable  to the  payment of  interest, bankruptcy  reorganization
expenses,  expenditures  for restructuring  activities,  and a  net  increase in
working capital as a result of higher sales levels.
 
    Cash flows from investing and financing activities for the first quarter  of
1996  included the cash  components of the  Ciba Acquisition. As  noted above, a
substantial portion of the consideration  paid for the Ciba Composites  Business
was comprised of Hexcel common stock and the Ciba Notes.
 
    Cash  flows from investing and financing activities for the first quarter of
1995 included the proceeds  from the sale of  certain assets, the proceeds  from
the  sale of Hexcel common stock pursuant  to a subscription rights offering and
standby purchase agreement, and  the payment of allowed  claims pursuant to  the
Company's reorganization plan.
 
    During  the three  years ended  December 31, 1995,  1994 and  1993, net cash
provided by (used in) continuing operations was ($3.0) million, $1.1 million and
$10.8  million,  respectively.  The  decline  in  cash  provided  by   operating
activities  in  1995 is  due primarily  to the  payment of  prepetition accounts
payable and accrued liabilities that had been reinstated on February 9, 1995 and
the payment of accrued  restructuring costs. In  addition, the Company  incurred
$8.7  million  of interest  expense, $3.4  million of  bankruptcy reorganization
expenses, and  financed  a $9.9  million  increase in  accounts  receivable  and
inventories  resulting from higher sales  levels. However, the Company benefited
from a  $19.4 million  increase  in postpetition  accounts payable  and  accrued
liabilities,  reflecting both  higher production levels  and a  return to normal
credit terms with most vendors.
 
    The 1994 amount reflected the Company's loss from continuing operations  for
the  year, including $20.2 million  of bankruptcy reorganization expenses, which
were offset by a comparable increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(including liabilities subject to disposition in bankruptcy reorganization). The
increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities was primarily  attributable
to  the accrual of  interest on prepetition  obligations, adjustments to allowed
claims and a return to payment terms with some vendors. In addition, the Company
paid approximately  $10.1 million  in restructuring  costs and  financed a  $7.4
million increase in accounts receivable and inventories.
 
    FINANCIAL RESOURCES
 
    In  connection with the Ciba Acquisition, Hexcel entered into the Old Credit
Facility which provided for  up to $175  million of loans to  (a) fund the  cash
component  of the purchase  price, (b) refinance  outstanding indebtedness under
certain U.S. and European credit facilities and (c) fund ongoing working capital
and  other   financing  requirements   of   the  Company,   including   business
consolidation activities. As of March 31, 1996, outstanding borrowings under the
Old Credit Facility totaled $69.8 million.
 
    In  connection with the  Hercules Acquisition, the  Company entered into the
Credit Facility which provides  for up to $300  million in loans. The  Company's
initial   borrowings  under  the  Credit   Facility  were  incurred  to  replace
approximately $     million  of  outstanding  borrowings under  the  Old  Credit
Facility,  which has been  terminated, and to  finance the Hercules Acquisition.
Borrowings under  the Credit  Facility are  also available  for ongoing  working
capital  and  other financing  requirements of  the Company,  including business
consolidation activities. As described under "Use of Proceeds," the net proceeds
from the sale of the  Notes will be used  to repay outstanding borrowings  under
the Credit Facility.
 
    Management  currently expects that cash flows from operations and borrowings
under the Credit  Facility will be  sufficient to fund  the Company's  worldwide
operations.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
    CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
 
    Capital  expenditures  in  recent  years  have  been  primarily  focused  on
essential maintenance  and process  improvement projects.  Capital  expenditures
were  $2.1 million in  the first quarter of  1995 and $2.3  million in the first
quarter of 1996. In connection with the Ciba Acquisition and the commencement of
the business consolidation program, management expects that capital expenditures
will increase significantly above  first quarter levels  in the remaining  three
quarters  of 1996. Such  expenditures will be financed  with cash generated from
operations and borrowings under available credit facilities.
 
    Capital expenditures increased from $8.4 million in 1994 to $12.1 million in
1995, an increase of $3.7 million, or 44.0%. The increase is due to purchases of
equipment necessary to improve manufacturing  processes, and to the deferral  of
expenditures  during bankruptcy reorganization proceedings. Further increases in
capital  spending  are  expected  in  1996,   partially  as  a  result  of   the
Acquisitions.  Such  expenditures  will  be financed  with  cash  generated from
operations and borrowings under available credit facilities.
 
    Capital expenditures increased from $6.3 million in 1993 to $8.4 million  in
1994,  an increase of $2.1 million, or 33.3%. Cash expenditures on restructuring
activities totaled  approximately $10.1  million in  1994, compared  with  $17.2
million in 1993.
 
THE CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
    The discussion and tables that follow relate to the historical statements of
operations  for the Ciba Composites Business on  a worldwide basis for the years
ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993. The historical financial statements  for
each  such period have  been prepared on  a basis which  reflects the historical
financial statements of the Ciba Composites Business as if it were a stand-alone
company owning  certain assets,  liabilities and  subsidiaries,  notwithstanding
that  during the foregoing  three year period, the  Ciba Composites Business was
operated as  a  division by  each  of Ciba  and  CGC, and  in  several  European
jurisdictions  on a  stand-alone basis  through certain  foreign subsidiaries of
Ciba.
 
    SUMMARY OF RESULTS
 
    The following table is derived from the Ciba Composite Business'  historical
financial  statements of operations  for the periods  indicated and presents the
results of operations as a percentage of net sales:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -------------------------------------------
                                                                  1995           1994           1993
                                                              -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>            <C>
Net sales...................................................       100.0%         100.0%         100.0%
Gross profit................................................        17.2           14.7           10.0
SG&A(1).....................................................       (17.5)         (18.3)         (19.8)
Amortization & write-downs of purchased intangibles.........        (2.1)          (3.5)          (2.1)
Restructuring expense.......................................        (0.7)          (0.5)          (2.8)
Other, net..................................................        (0.3)           1.0          --
                                                                   -----          -----          -----
Operating loss..............................................        (3.4)%         (6.6)%        (14.9)%
                                                                   -----          -----          -----
                                                                   -----          -----          -----
Net loss....................................................        (5.6)%         (8.3)%        (18.1)%
                                                                   -----          -----          -----
                                                                   -----          -----          -----
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1)  Includes Research and Development expense.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
    NET SALES.  Net sales increased from $292.6 million in fiscal 1994 to $331.1
million in fiscal 1995, an increase of $38.5 million, or 13%. This sales  growth
reflected  an  increase in  sales  in both  the  aerospace, including  space and
defense and  non-aerospace industrial  markets. Sales  to the  aerospace  market
increased  from  $213 million  in  1994 to  $231 million  in  1995, or  8%. This
increase was due  mainly to  a recovery in  sales to  traditional customers  and
ongoing  revenue related  to the acquisition  from BP Chemicals,  Inc. in August
1994 of certain structures programs for the U.S. market previously conducted  by
BP  Chemicals' Advanced Materials Division  ("BPAM"). Sales to the non-aerospace
industrial markets increased from  $79 million for fiscal  1994 to $100  million
for  fiscal 1995,  or 27%,  with the  largest growth  being attributable  to the
sports  and  leisure  markets  in  Europe  and  Asia.  Other  segments  of   the
non-aerospace  industrial  market  that  showed  improvement  over  this  period
included the fabrics, transport and energy sectors.
 
    Selling prices  over  the  period  were  relatively  flat.  Net  sales  also
increased  due to exchange rate fluctuations. See "-- Impact of Foreign Exchange
Fluctuations."
 
    NET SALES BY GEOGRAPHIC REGION.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  --------------------------------------------------
                                                                            1995                      1994
                                                                  ------------------------  ------------------------
                                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
United States...................................................  $   148,919          45%  $   139,831          48%
Europe..........................................................      171,235          52       143,071          49
Other Countries.................................................       10,919           3         9,709           3
                                                                  -----------         ---   -----------         ---
                                                                  $   331,073         100%  $   292,611         100%
                                                                  -----------         ---   -----------         ---
                                                                  -----------         ---   -----------         ---
</TABLE>
 
    The shift in regional net sales between fiscal 1994 and fiscal 1995 resulted
from a 7% improvement in  the United States, a 20%  improvement in Europe and  a
12%  improvement in  other countries. The  build-rate reduction  in the American
aerospace market affected a  greater amount of net  sales in the United  States.
The same did not happen in European and other countries, where almost 50% of net
sales were in the non-aerospace industrial markets.
 
    Most  of  Ciba's  foreign  sales  took place  in  Western  Europe  and other
developed economies. This is  consistent with the fact  that a large portion  of
the  sales were to aerospace OEMs or major subcontractors. As a result, Ciba was
exposed to  normal  business risks  associated  with doing  business  in  highly
developed  industrial nations. These risks were  managed in the same way similar
risks were managed in the United States.
 
    IMPACT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE FLUCTUATIONS.  Due  to the fact that half of  the
Ciba  Composites Business' net sales occur  outside the United States, the sales
trends, as noted above, were also influenced by exchange rate fluctuations  over
the  period. In 1995,  the dollar yearly average  weakened against most European
currencies resulting in  a net positive  effect in the  year ended December  31,
1995 relative to 1994 of approximately $14.1 million.
 
    The  Ciba Composites Business does not hedge currency risks. While Ciba does
engage in  certain  currency  hedging,  the effects  of  such  hedging  are  not
reflected  in the Ciba Composites  Business financial statements because neither
the costs nor benefits of such  activities are allocated to the Ciba  Composites
Business.
 
    GROSS  PROFIT.  Gross profit increased  from $42.9 million to $57.1 million,
an increase of 33.1%. This increase was due to the combination of stronger sales
and cost reductions.
 
    SG&A EXPENSES.  SG&A expenses increased from $45.5 million in 1994 to  $47.5
million  in  1995, or  4%. As  a percentage  of sales,  these expenses  showed a
positive trend over the period, decreasing from  16% of sales in 1994 to 14%  in
1995.  This trend reflected  the improvement in  sales as well  as the impact of
restructuring activities.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
    RESEARCH  AND  DEVELOPMENT  EXPENSE.    Research  and  development   expense
increased  from $7.9 million in 1994 to $10.4 million in 1995, or 32%. For these
periods, expenses, as a percentage of  sales, were 2.7% and 3.1%,  respectively.
This  increase in  research and development  expenses was due  to investments in
research and development to  develop products and retain  new customers for  new
non-aerospace industrial markets, such as the transport and energy markets.
 
    AMORTIZATION  AND WRITE-DOWN  OF PURCHASED  INTANGIBLES.   Intangible assets
arose from the purchase  of Reliable Manufacturing Co.  in 1979 and Heath  Tecna
Aerospace  Co. in 1988. Impairment losses of  $2.8 million and $5.1 million were
recognized in 1995  and 1994, respectively,  on contract manufacturing  programs
due to reductions in aircraft build rates.
 
    RESTRUCTURING  EXPENSES.   In 1995  and 1994,  the Ciba  Composites Business
reduced its workforce substantially in anticipation of lower sales to  aerospace
customers  and  in an  effort to  reduce  administrative overhead,  resulting in
reductions of 52 people in  1995 and 121 people in  1994. In the United  States,
additional  business units were  formed for aerospace  and industrial structures
and aerospace interiors, for the purpose of achieving more efficient  operations
better  sized to serve the weaker  aerospace market. Restructuring costs covered
personnel expenses (including  severance, relocation, etc.)  of $2.4 million  in
1995  and equipment and  facility expenses (relocation  costs and write-offs) of
$1.6 million in 1994.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE.  Interest expense decreased  from $1.2 million in 1994  to
$0.7  million in 1995,  or 41.7%. These  expenses were comprised  of interest on
mortgage debt which matures  in 1999 and interest  on certain long-term debt  to
affiliates based on three and six month French and Italian LIBOR rates.
 
    INCOME  TAXES.  Income taxes have been presented in the financial statements
as if  the Ciba  Composites Business  were a  separate taxable  entity. The  tax
effect  of  the resulting  operating loss  carryforwards  has been  reflected as
deferred tax assets with related  valuation allowances, based upon  management's
assessment  of the Ciba Composites Business' likelihood of realizing the benefit
of such operating loss carryforwards through future stand-alone taxable  income.
In  actual practice, the Ciba Composites Business has not operated as a separate
taxable entity  and the  operating  loss carryforwards  of the  Ciba  Composites
Business  have generally been utilized to offset  taxable income of Ciba and its
respective local group companies in various  countries in the year incurred.  As
of  December 31,  1995, net operating  loss carryforwards  of approximately $6.2
million and $0.6 million were available to offset certain future taxable  income
in  Italy and France, respectively. For the  periods ended December 31, 1995 and
December 31, 1994,  the losses  of the  Ciba Composites  Business before  income
taxes  generated a provision for income taxes  of $5.1 million and $2.8 million,
respectively, due to certain profitable foreign operations.
 
    MINORITY INTEREST  IN  DANUTEC.    Ciba owned  51%  of  Danutec,  which  has
headquarters  in  Linz, Austria  until  February of  1996  when it  acquired the
remaining 49.0%. Ciba sold Danutec to Hexcel pursuant to the Strategic  Alliance
Agreement in May 1996.
 
    NET LOSS.  The Ciba Composites Business incurred net losses of $24.3 million
in  1994 on net sales of $292.6 million compared with losses of $18.5 million on
net sales of $331.1 million in 1995.  This decrease in net losses was  primarily
attributable  to the overall increase in net sales and improved gross profits as
described above and lower write-offs of intangibles, partially offset by  higher
selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses  and  research  and development
expenses. Additionally, net losses in 1994 reflected a $2.7 million gain on  the
sale by the Ciba Composites Business of its honeycomb core facility in Miami.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
    NET SALES.  Net sales increased from $271.3 million in fiscal 1993 to $292.6
million in fiscal 1994, an increase of $21.3 million, or 8%. This improvement in
net  sales was due primarily to the acquisition of BPAM and also to gains in the
non-aerospace industrial  market, such  as  the sports  and leisure  markets  in
Europe  and Asia and  the energy market  in Europe. These  positive factors more
than offset
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
a decline in the Ciba Composites Business' net sales to the aerospace market for
fiscal 1994. The decline in aerospace sales resulted from a continuing reduction
in build rates for the Ciba Composites Business' largest customer (Boeing). This
decline was somewhat offset by an increase  in sales to some of Ciba  Composites
Business' other aerospace customers and non-aerospace customers.
 
    Selling prices over the period were relatively flat. Net sales for the years
ended  December 31, 1994 also increased  from the immediately preceding year due
to exchange rate fluctuations. See "-- Impact of Foreign Exchange Fluctuations."
 
    NET SALES BY GEOGRAPHIC REGION.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                      ----------------------------------------------
                                                                         1994                    1993
                                                                      -----------             -----------
                                                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
United States.......................................................  $   139,831         48% $   136,141         50%
Europe..............................................................      143,071         49      127,469         47
Other Countries.....................................................        9,709          3        7,648          3
                                                                      -----------        ---  -----------        ---
                                                                      $   292,611        100% $   271,258        100%
                                                                      -----------        ---  -----------        ---
                                                                      -----------        ---  -----------        ---
</TABLE>
 
    The shift in regional net sales between the year ended December 31, 1993 and
the year ended December 31, 1994 resulted from a 12% improvement in net sales in
Europe and 26% in other  countries, against a smaller  improvement of 3% in  the
United  States.  The  build-rate  reduction  in  the  American  aerospace market
affected a greater amount of  net sales in the United  States. The same did  not
happen  in European and other  countries, where almost 50%  of net sales were in
the non-aerospace industrial markets.
 
    IMPACT OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE FLUCTUATIONS.  In 1994, the dollar yearly average
weakened against most European currencies. The net positive effect to net  sales
relative  to 1993, due  to the general  weakening of the  exchange rate was $2.9
million.
 
    GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profits increased  from $27.0 million in 1993 to  $42.9
million  in 1994, or 59.0%.  This increase was due to  cost reductions and an 8%
increase in sales. In 1993, gross profit was negatively affected by a low  level
of  sales and certain production  inefficiencies resulting from restructuring of
personnel at manufacturing facilities.
 
    SG&A EXPENSES.  SG&A expenses decreased from $47.8 million in 1993 to  $45.5
million  in  1994, or  5%. As  a percentage  of sales,  these expenses  showed a
positive trend over the period, going from 18%  of sales in 1993 down to 16%  of
sales  in 1994.  This trend reflected  the improvement  in sales as  well as the
impact of restructuring activities.
 
    RESEARCH  AND  DEVELOPMENT  EXPENSE.    Research  and  development   expense
increased  from $5.9 million in 1993 to $7.9  million in 1994, or 34%. For these
periods, expense, as  a percentage of  sales, was 2.2%  and 2.7%,  respectively.
This  increase in  research and development  expenses was due  to investments in
research and development to  develop products and retain  new customers for  new
non-aerospace industrial markets, such as the transport and energy markets.
 
    AMORTIZATION  AND WRITE DOWN OF PURCHASED INTANGIBLES.  Impairment losses of
$5.1 million were recognized in 1994 on the contract manufacturing programs  due
to reductions in aircraft build rates.
 
    RESTRUCTURING  EXPENSES.   In 1994  and 1993,  the Ciba  Composites Business
reduced its workforce substantially in anticipation of lower sales to  aerospace
customers  and  in an  effort to  reduce  administrative overhead,  resulting in
reductions of 121 people in 1994 and  558 people in 1993. In addition, in  1993,
the  Ciba Composites Business  began consolidating its  production facilities in
Europe and formed a separate European business unit to focus on the requirements
of European customers in both aerospace and non-aerospace industrial markets. In
the United  States, additional  business  units were  also  formed in  1994  for
aerospace  and industrial structures and aerospace interiors, for the purpose of
achieving more efficient operations better  sized to serve the weaker  aerospace
market.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
Restructuring costs covered personnel expenses (involving severance, relocation,
etc.)  of $5.9 million  in 1993 and equipment  and facility expenses (relocation
costs and write-offs) of $1.6 million in 1994 and $1.8 million in 1993.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE.  Interest expense decreased  from $2.2 million in 1993  to
$1.2  million in  1994, or  46%. These  expenses were  comprised of  interest on
mortgage debt which  matures in 1999  and certain long  term debt to  affiliates
based on three and six month French and Italian LIBOR rates.
 
    INCOME  TAXES.  Income taxes have been presented in the financial statements
as if  the Ciba  Composites Business  were a  separate taxable  entity. The  tax
effect  of  the resulting  operating loss  carryforwards  has been  reflected as
deferred tax assets with related  valuation allowances, based upon  management's
assessment  of the Ciba Composites Business' likelihood of realizing the benefit
of such operating loss carryforwards through future stand-alone taxable  income.
In  actual practice, the Ciba Composites Business has not operated as a separate
taxable entity  and the  operating  loss carryforwards  of the  Ciba  Composites
Business  have generally been utilized to offset  taxable income of Ciba and its
respective local group companies in various countries in the year incurred.  For
the  period ended December 31, 1994, the  losses of the Ciba Composites Business
before income taxes generated a provision for income taxes of $2.8 million,  due
to  certain profitable foreign operations. Losses generated for the period ended
December 31, 1993 resulted in a tax benefit of $1.0 million.
 
    NET LOSS.  The Ciba Composites Business' net loss for the year declined from
$49.0 million in  1993 to  $24.3 million  in 1994,  driven by  a combination  of
higher sales, successful cost containment efforts (largely realized from earlier
restructurings)  and  a gain  of  $2.7 million  realized  from the  sale  of its
honeycomb core  facility in  Miami.  There were  also  charges of  $7.1  million
related to the adoption of new accounting standards for post employment and post
retirement  benefits other than pensions, which affected 1993 profitability. The
preceding items, which caused an improvement  from 1993 to 1994, were  partially
offset  by  price  increases  on  selected  raw  materials  and  a  $5.1 million
impairment write-off of intangibles relating to acquired contract  manufacturing
programs due to a reduction in aircraft build rates in 1994.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    Net  cash provided by operating activities  was $15.4 million, $13.7 million
and $14.7  million  for  the years  ended  December  31, 1993,  1994  and  1995,
respectively.  The increase in 1995 was due primarily to a decline in net losses
and inventory reductions, partially offset by increases in accounts  receivable.
Higher  accounts receivable at the end of  1995 and 1994 reflected primarily the
growth in sales that occurred during these periods. The $8.2 million decrease in
inventory at  the  end  of  1995  resulted  from  better  inventory  management.
Operating  cash benefited from a decrease  in prepaid expenses and other current
assets of $2.1  million and  $1.5 million,  and a  decrease in  other long  term
assets  of  $0.7  million  and  $3.7  million  at  the  end  of  1995  and 1994,
respectively.  For  the  period  ended  December  31,  1995,  although   accrued
liabilities and accrued compensation increased by $1.3 million, accounts payable
decreased  by $0.8 million.  For the same  period in 1994,  cash was provided by
accounts payable of $3.8 million, an increase in accrued liabilities and accrued
compensation of $4.2 million and an  increase in other long-term liabilities  of
$1.3 million.
 
    Cash  used  in  investing  activities  in  1995  was  affected  by  the Ciba
Composites Business' use of $13.2 million in cash to purchase certain  property,
plant  and equipment. In 1994, the Ciba Composites Business used $7.7 million in
cash for investments in certain property,  plant and equipment and $4.7  million
in  cash was expended  for the BPAM  acquisition. Proceeds of  $8.0 million were
received in  1994 on  the divestiture  of the  Ciba Composites  Business'  Miami
facility.  Cash flow  from financing activities  in 1995 was  affected by equity
contributions from  Ciba of  $29.8  million and  additional borrowings  of  $7.8
million  that largely  offset loan  payments of  $36.6 million.  In 1994, equity
contributions from Ciba of $4.7 million were offset by payments on borrowings of
$10.4 million.
 
    The decrease  in 1994  in  net cash  provided  by operating  activities  was
primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  accounts  receivable  during  this  period
(reflecting   both    the    increase    in    sales    and    initial    longer
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
payment  terms extended to  new European customers).  Lower depreciation in 1994
was more than offset by  an increase in amortization  during that period due  to
the  recognition of a  $5.1 million impairment loss  for intangibles relating to
aircraft related contract  manufacturing programs. In  1994, efforts to  control
inventory  levels resulted in a  decline of $1.3 million  despite an increase in
sales. In 1993,  similar efforts  to control assets  resulted in  a decrease  of
$16.1  million in accounts receivable and  $10 million in inventories. Operating
cash flow also benefited  from a $3.2 million  decrease in prepaid expenses  and
other  current assets in 1993 and a decrease in long term assets of $3.7 million
and $3.6 million, respectively, for 1994 and 1993. With the increase in sales in
1994, accounts payable also increased by $3.8 million. In 1994 cash provided  by
operating  activities increased due  to an increase of  $4.2 million for accrued
liabilities and  accrued  compensation and  $1.3  million for  other  long  term
liabilities.  In 1993, a decrease of $3.5 million in other long-term liabilities
was somewhat offset by  an increase of $1.1  million in accrued liabilities  and
accrued compensation.
 
    Cash  used in  investing activities in  1994 reflected $7.7  million used to
purchase certain property, plant and equipment and $4.7 million expended for the
BPAM acquisition  offset in  part  by the  divestiture  of the  Ciba  Composites
Business'  Miami facility for $8.0 million. Cash used in investing activities in
1993 reflected  $12.3  million used  to  purchase certain  property,  plant  and
equipment.  In 1994,  cash used  in financing  activities reflected  payments on
borrowings of  $10.4 million  that significantly  exceeded equity  contributions
from  Ciba of $4.7 million. In 1993,  payments on borrowings of $3.6 million and
equity distributions to  Ciba of $1.5  million were largely  offset by  proceeds
from borrowings of $4.3 million.
 
    BACKLOG
 
    Historically,  the backlog of orders has ranged between $50 million and $150
million based on the  timing of contract awards  and completion. The backlog  of
orders  was  $43 million  at December  31, 1995.  The Ciba  Composites Business'
backlog has not historically been affected significantly by seasonality.
 
    EFFECT OF INFLATION
 
    Inflation has not had a material effect on the revenues or operating results
of the Ciba  Composites Business  during the  periods ended  December 31,  1995,
December 31, 1994 and December 31, 1993, respectively.
 
    FINANCIAL RESOURCES
 
    The  Ciba Composites  Business' capital requirements  have historically been
funded through  intercompany  borrowings and  contributions  from Ciba  and  its
subsidiaries.  Upon consummation  of the  Ciba Acquisition,  the Ciba Composites
Business was combined with Hexcel and no longer had access to funding from  Ciba
and its subsidiaries.
 
    Historically,  due to the seasonality of the Ciba Composites Business' sales
(i.e., higher  net sales  in  the second  quarter) and  corresponding  increased
working  capital requirements to  fund accounts receivable,  the Ciba Composites
Business has required funding support from Ciba affiliates in the form of  loans
or  capital investments during the second and third quarter time frame. The peak
business cycle  occured near  the end  of the  second quarter,  particularly  in
Europe in anticipation of the summer slowdown. Collections in the second half of
the  year allowed the  Ciba Composites Business to  generate positive cash flows
from operations for the full year period.
 
    The working capital practices of the  Ciba Composites Business (and much  of
the  composite  materials  industry) were  tied  in  large part  to  the payment
practices of the aerospace  industry in general.  The Ciba Composites  Business'
customers  were, typically,  large original equipment  manufacturers. Goods were
generally built to order based on forecasted schedules generated in advance.  As
a  result,  significant amounts  of  inventory were  not  carried to  meet rapid
delivery requirements. In general, the  Ciba Composites Business' customers  did
not  request  extended  payment  terms of  their  vendors.  The  Ciba Composites
Business' customers generally paid in varying periods not generally in excess of
U.S. or European practice, as the case may be. Merchandise was not returnable.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
    Hexcel  is a leading international manufacturer and marketer of lightweight,
high performance composite  materials, parts and  structures for the  aerospace,
defense,  recreation  and general  industrial  markets. The  Company's products,
which are  described  below,  include carbon  fiber,  woven  synthetic  fabrics,
honeycomb, prepregs, adhesives, and a wide variety of lightweight, high strength
semi-finished   and  finished  structural   components.  With  19  manufacturing
facilities in the United States and  Europe, management believes that Hexcel  is
positioned  to  take  advantage  of  opportunities  for  growth  worldwide.  The
Company's  manufacturing  capabilities  are  integrated  across  product   lines
enabling it to offer a breadth of products spanning the composites industry. The
Company  operates through the following five core businesses, presented in order
of manufacturing integration from raw materials to finished products:
 
    - FIBERS.  The  Company manufactures  PAN based carbon  fiber primarily  for
      sale  to customers and also for use in its Fabrics and Composite Materials
      businesses. The Company supplies high performance carbon fibers for a wide
      variety of applications  in the  commercial aerospace  space and  defense,
      recreation  and  general industrial  markets  predominantly in  the United
      States. The principal end uses for carbon fibers are as raw materials  for
      prepregs  and fabrics, in  filament winding for  various space and defense
      and industrial applications  and in fiber  placement to produce  composite
      structures.
 
    - FABRICS.    The Company  is a  leading  manufacturer of  woven fiberglass,
      carbon and aramid fiber reinforcements  for composite materials and  other
      applications  worldwide. In  the United States,  the Company  is a leading
      weaver of aramid fibers and, in Europe, the Company is a leading weaver of
      high performance fiberglass  fabrics. The principal  end uses for  fabrics
      are  in  composite  materials,  printed  circuit  boards,  window  blinds,
      insulation and soft body armor such as bullet proof vests.
 
    - COMPOSITE MATERIALS.  The Company is an innovative leader worldwide in the
      manufacture of honeycomb,  prepregs, film adhesive  products and  sandwich
      panel  products. Although each of these  products is sold primarily to the
      commercial aerospace and space  and defense markets,  the Company has  led
      the  development  of  new  applications  for  composite  materials  in the
      recreation market and is developing additional applications for use in the
      transit, marine and other industrial  markets. The principal end uses  for
      composite  materials are components for  commercial and military aircraft,
      munitions, high-speed and mass transit trains and recreation applications,
      including golf clubs, skis and snowboards.
 
    - SPECIAL PROCESS.  The Company engineers, manufactures and markets machined
      and fabricated honeycomb parts for use in commercial aerospace, space  and
      defense,  automotive and  other applications  to meet  customers' specific
      design requirements. This core business provides value-added processing to
      standard honeycomb manufactured by the Company by contouring and machining
      it into  complex  shapes.  The  principal end  uses  for  special  process
      products  are  semi-finished  aerospace  components  and  aircraft control
      surfaces such as flaps and wing tips.
 
    - STRUCTURES  AND  INTERIORS.     The  Company   manufactures  and   markets
      lightweight,  high strength structures and  interiors primarily for use in
      the  aerospace  industry.  The  principal  end  uses  for  structures  and
      interiors  are wing-to-body fairings, flap track fairings, radomes, engine
      cowls and interior systems such as overhead storage bins for aircraft.
 
STRATEGIC REPOSITIONING
 
    BACKGROUND
 
    Historically, the aerospace and defense industries have led the  development
of  applications for composite material and structures due to their need for the
performance properties of these materials.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
During the mid to late 1980's, composites companies, including Hexcel, the  Ciba
Composites  Business  and the  Hercules  Composites Business  invested  in rapid
capacity expansion  to  respond  to  the anticipated  growth  in  both  military
procurement  programs and the  commercial aircraft industry.  In particular, the
Company built  a new  plant  in Chandler,  Arizona  for United  States  military
programs including the B-2 bomber.
 
    With  the end of the  Cold War in 1989 and  the resulting rapid reduction in
defense procurement expenditures in the United  States and Europe, sales to  the
military   aerospace  and  defense  sectors   declined  rapidly.  B-2  projected
procurement fell from  an original 132  aircraft to 20.  In addition, under  the
influence of deregulation and various other factors including a general economic
downturn   and  the  Gulf  War,  the  commercial  airline  industry  experienced
significant losses in the early 1990's, which in turn led to reduced  investment
in  new aircraft.  With diminishing cash  flows, orders  for commercial aircraft
were canceled and delayed, resulting in a decline in deliveries by approximately
50% between 1992 and 1994. These changes in the principal markets for  composite
materials  left  significant  excess  capacity  in  the  industry,  resulting in
significant losses for industry participants, including the Company.
 
    As a result of these market circumstances, as well as debt incurred to build
capacity in the late 1980's, the Company experienced a liquidity crisis in 1993.
After  attempting,  but  being  unable  to  achieve  a  consensual  out-of-court
restructuring  with its creditors, Hexcel sought  protection under Chapter 11 by
filing a voluntary petition for relief in December 1993. Under the leadership of
John J.  Lee, who  joined the  Company as  Chairman of  the Board  and  Co-Chief
Executive  Officer shortly before the Chapter 11 filing, the Company adopted and
executed a  plan to  reposition itself  by consolidating  facilities,  divesting
non-core  businesses, and reducing costs in  an attempt to restore profitability
and positive cash flow.
 
    In connection with this repositioning, the Company successfully  implemented
a  consolidation of its operations by (i) divesting itself of its non-strategic,
European and United States resins businesses, (ii) selling its Chandler, Arizona
plant and associated product lines, (iii) closing its Graham, Texas facility and
(iv) reducing SG&A,  including R&D  expenditures. The Company  also reduced  the
number  of its employees from 3,050 at year  end 1992 to 2,189 at year end 1995.
These actions enabled the  Company to restructure its  balance sheet and  obtain
new  equity  and  debt  financing.  When Hexcel  emerged  from  Chapter  11, all
creditors' claims were reinstated or paid in full, including interest.
 
    STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS
 
    Upon emerging  from  Chapter 11  in  February  1995, the  Company  began  to
implement  a  strategy  to lead  the  consolidation of  the  composite materials
industry by  removing  excess  capacity  and in  the  process  diversifying  and
strengthening its existing businesses. On February 29, 1996, Hexcel acquired the
Ciba  Composites Business  for aggregate  consideration of  approximately $203.1
million, subject to post-closing adjustments. The Ciba Acquisition combined  two
of  the  world's  leading  and  most  technically  advanced  composite materials
companies, broadening the Company's range of products and markets, enhancing its
research,  development  and   technological  capabilities   and  balancing   the
geographical  scope of its business.  As a result of  the Ciba Acquisition, Ciba
became the beneficial owner of approximately 49.8% of the Company's  outstanding
Common Stock.
 
    On  June   , 1996, the Company acquired the Hercules Composites Business for
a cash  purchase  price of  approximately  $135 million  (excluding  transaction
costs)  subject to  post-closing adjustments. The  Hercules Acquisition combined
two  leading   prepreg  manufacturers,   with  few   overlapping  products   and
qualifications  between their  product lines,  and provided  the Company  with a
manufacturing facility  for one  of  its significant  raw materials,  PAN  based
carbon  fibers.  This acquisition  further  enhanced Hexcel's  technological and
integrated capabilities and  provided the  Company with new  products that  have
been  qualified by customers, a financial  hedge against either increases in the
price of  carbon  fiber  or  decreases in  its  supply  matching  the  Composite
Materials  core business' consumption of fibers  against the sales of the Fibers
core business, and additional production capacity which will aid the Company  in
implementing restructuring programs in the United States and Europe.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
    STRUCTURAL REORGANIZATION AND CONSOLIDATION PROGRAM
 
    The  Company  has  reorganized  its operations  into  five  core businesses:
Fibers,  Fabrics,  Composite  Materials,  Special  Process  and  Structures  and
Interiors.  See "-- Core Businesses." This reorganization positioned the Company
to better  respond  to the  growing  commercial aerospace,  space  and  defense,
industrial  and recreation markets it serves,  while focusing management on cost
reduction and profitability. The new  organizational structure is also  expected
to  improve the Company's  current business performance and  allow it to exploit
opportunities in emerging global markets.
 
    In  May  1996,  the  Company  announced  a  program  for  consolidating  its
operations  following the Ciba Acquisition. The objective of this program, which
is expected  to be  completed  in approximately  three  years, is  to  integrate
acquired  assets  and operations  into  Hexcel, reorganize  and  rationalize the
Company's  research  and  manufacturing  activities  around  strategic   centers
dedicated   to  select  product  technologies,  eliminate  excess  manufacturing
capacity and  rationalize  redundant  sales and  marketing  functions.  Specific
actions  contemplated  by  the  consolidation  program  include  the  previously
announced closure of the  Anaheim, California facility  acquired from Ciba,  the
closure of a portion of the Welkenraedt, Belgium facility, the reorganization of
the  Company's  manufacturing operations  in  France, the  consolidation  of the
Company's United  States  special  process  manufacturing  activities,  and  the
integration  of  sales and  marketing resources.  Management estimates  that the
consolidation program will  reduce the Company's  workforce by approximately  8%
worldwide.
 
    The total cost of this program, which excludes additional costs and expenses
that  may be incurred due  to modifications to the  program that may result from
the Hercules Acquisition,  is estimated  to be approximately  $49 million.  This
estimate  includes $5.2  million of  expenses incurred  in the  first quarter of
1996, an estimated $32 million charge  against earnings expected to be  incurred
in  the second quarter  of 1996 and  approximately $12 million  to be recognized
thereafter. Cash expenditures necessary to complete the program are estimated to
total approximately  $44 million,  net of  expected proceeds  from asset  sales.
Management  estimates that  the program  will result  in annual  cost savings of
approximately $28 million when it is fully implemented in 1999, and that for the
period 1996 through 1998,  costs associated with the  program (net of  estimated
proceeds  from asset sales)  are expected to equal  the incremental cash savings
generated by  the  program.  The  foregoing  estimates  of  total  cost  of  the
consolidation  program,  cash expenditures  and  annual cost  savings constitute
forward-looking information. The  failure of any  of the assumptions  underlying
such  estimates to be realized may cause the actual amounts to differ materially
from the estimates set  forth above. For a  discussion of these assumptions  and
other  important factors that  will affect actual amounts,  see "Risk Factors --
Forward Looking Statements; Consolidation Program."
 
    As a result of the (i)  elimination of surplus facilities and  manufacturing
capacity  by industry  participants such  as the  Company, (ii)  exit of certain
participants from the industry  and (iii) consolidation of  the industry led  by
the  Company with the  Ciba and Hercules  Acquisitions, excess industry capacity
has been  reduced. As  a result  of  the anticipated  upturn in  the  commercial
aerospace  market, current industry  manufacturing is beginning  to move in line
with demand.
 
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
 
    The Company believes that the  recent measures undertaken to reorganize  its
operations,  reduce costs and increase geographic, market and product diversity,
enhance the Company's key competitive advantages:
 
    - MARKET LEADER.    The  Company  has  long  been  a  leading  international
      manufacturer  of lightweight,  high strength  fabrics, composite materials
      and parts and structures. Management  believes the Company is the  largest
      integrated  producer of diversified composite materials in the world based
      on pro forma net  sales of approximately $771  million for the year  ended
      December 31, 1995. See "Pro Forma Financial Information."
 
    - BROADEST  RANGE OF QUALIFICATIONS  IN THE AEROSPACE  INDUSTRY.  Management
      believes Hexcel has the broadest range of qualifications of any  composite
      materials manufacturer in the aerospace
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
      industry  and  is qualified  on  several programs  which  have significant
      opportunities for growth. Such programs  include the Boeing 777 and  737x,
      the  Airbus A320 series (including A319 and  A321) and A330 series and the
      McDonnell Douglas  C-17  transport.  Before  composite  materials  may  be
      utilized  in aerospace and military  applications, they must be qualified,
      which  is  both  expensive  and  time  consuming.  See  "--  Markets   and
      Customers."  The Company believes its extensive qualifications position it
      to remain  a leading  supplier  of composite  materials to  the  aerospace
      industry.
 
    - VERTICAL  INTEGRATION.    Management  believes  the  Company  is  the most
      vertically integrated  composite  materials  manufacturer  in  the  world.
      Vertical  integration  provides  the  Company with  a  greater  ability to
      control the  cost, quality  and delivery  of its  products. Moreover,  the
      Company  has  the unique  ability to  manufacture  and sell  products from
      various points  in the  manufacturing process,  thereby providing  overall
      materials  solutions to  its customers  and strengthening  its competitive
      position. See "-- Manufacturing Process and Raw Materials."
 
    - MARKET AND GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY.  Approximately 53% of Hexcel's pro  forma
      net  sales for  the year  ended December  31, 1995  were derived  from the
      commercial aerospace  industry,  11%  from space  and  defense,  12%  from
      recreation products (including golf shafts, skis, snowboards, fishing rods
      and  tennis rackets)  and 24%  from general  industrial markets (including
      printed circuit boards, window blinds and high-speed mass transit trains).
      Management believes  this market  and product  mix reduces  the  Company's
      exposure  to  business cycles  in  the commercial  aerospace  industry. In
      addition,  the  Ciba  Acquisition  enabled  the  Company  to  balance  the
      geographic  scope  of  its  business  between  North  America  and Europe,
      providing it with an increased presence at Airbus, and to build a presence
      in the  rapidly  growing  Asia-Pacific  aerospace  market.  See  "--  Core
      Business" and "-- Sales and Marketing."
 
    - STRONG  TECHNICAL  SUPPORT.    The  Company  has  been  a  leader  in  the
      development  of  technology  and  commercial  applications  for  composite
      materials  for  over 50  years. The  Company's technically  oriented sales
      force works  with new  and  existing customers  to identify  and  engineer
      solutions  to  meet customers'  needs,  particularly by  identifying areas
      where composite materials may beneficially replace traditional  materials.
      Through  both  its research  and technology  function and  its proprietary
      skills in resin formulation and  woven reinforcement, the Company has  the
      technical  capability to provide its customers with "make to order" custom
      products. A recent example of the Company's ability to engineer  solutions
      for  its customers  is the  development of  carbon core  honeycomb for jet
      engine nacelles. This product replaces traditional aluminum materials that
      can corrode  in the  extreme environment  of an  aircraft engine,  with  a
      material that is both stronger and lighter and conducts heat away from the
      engine.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
    To  maintain its position  as a leading  worldwide manufacturer of composite
materials,  parts  and  structures,  the  Company  has  adopted  the   following
strategies:
 
    - CAPITALIZE ON GROWTH IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY.  The Company believes that
      demand  for commercial aircraft, and therefore composite materials, should
      be favorably influenced by the following trends that have been  identified
      in  industry reports:  (i) a significant  increase in air  travel over the
      next ten  years, (ii)  the higher  utilization of  composite materials  on
      state-of-the-art  aircraft, such as the Boeing 777, (iii) the acceleration
      of new aircraft deliveries as a result of government noise regulations and
      (iv) expected increases in aircraft fleet size during the next decade. The
      Company expects to capitalize on these  trends by continuing to produce  a
      wide  variety  of  composite  materials  for  use  in  the  manufacture of
      virtually every commercial aircraft in the western world. See "--  Markets
      and Customers."
 
    - CONTINUE TO CONTROL COSTS AND IMPROVE MANUFACTURING
      EFFICIENCIES.   Management  is committed  to reducing  costs and improving
      manufacturing   efficiencies   through   consolidation   and    structural
      reorganization.   Prior  to  giving  effect   to  the  Ciba  and  Hercules
      Acquisitions, the
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
      Company (i)  consolidated  operations  by  closing  one  plant,  partially
      closing  a second one and  selling a third, (ii)  sold its non-core resins
      and specialty  chemicals  businesses,  (iii) reduced  the  number  of  its
      employees  by  approximately 30%,  and (iv)  reduced selling,  general and
      administrative costs from $62 million in  1992 to $49 million in 1995.  In
      addition,  in  the  first  half  of  1996,  the  Company  reorganized  its
      organizational structure into five core businesses focused on key products
      and markets, and  the Company announced  a business consolidation  program
      which is expected to result in continued cost reductions and manufacturing
      efficiencies. See "-- Strategic Repositioning."
 
    - STRATEGIC  ACQUISITIONS AND ALLIANCES.   In order  to (i) enhance Hexcel's
      integrated manufacturing capabilities, (ii) expand its geographic base and
      (iii) optimize  its  portfolio of  products  and businesses,  the  Company
      intends  to  continue to  complement its  product lines  through strategic
      acquisitions or  alliances.  As a  result  of the  Ciba  Acquisition,  the
      Company  is positioned to take advantage  of the trend towards outsourcing
      production of  structures and  interiors  through alliances.  The  Company
      reviews  its portfolio of products  and businesses regularly in connection
      with its  efforts to  identify  appropriate strategic  opportunities.  See
      "Risk Factors -- Strategic Acquisitions and Alliances."
 
    - ENHANCE CUSTOMER SERVICE.  The Company continually seeks to strengthen and
      expand  its relationships with customers by capitalizing on its vertically
      integrated manufacturing capabilities and  technical support. As a  highly
      integrated manufacturer of composite materials, Hexcel has the flexibility
      and  capability to  meet the various  needs of its  customers. The Company
      also has the technical  capability to assist customers  in the design  and
      manufacture  of  composite materials  for specialty  applications, thereby
      further  strengthening   customer  relationships.   For  example,   Hexcel
      engineers  work  with  Reebok-Registered Trademark-  to  develop composite
      supports for  athletic shoes  and with  a customer's  engineers to  design
      composite turbofan blades for aircraft engines. Hexcel intends to leverage
      its integrated capabilities to serve a customer base which is increasingly
      favoring  suppliers who have the ability to satisfy all of their composite
      materials requirements.
 
    - PENETRATE NEW MARKETS.   The  Company strives to  maintain its  leadership
      position in the development of innovative composite materials applications
      in  an attempt to  expand its revenue  base. Although commercial aerospace
      remains the largest market for composite materials, the Company  continues
      to   penetrate  recreation  and   general  industrial  markets,  providing
      composite materials for a  variety of applications  and plans to  continue
      developing  applications for  new markets. See  "Competitive Advantages --
      Market and  Geographic  Diversity."  The  Company  also  expects  to  take
      advantage of developing markets by expanding its operations in the rapidly
      growing Asia-Pacific region.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
CORE BUSINESSES
 
    Each  of Hexcel's core businesses focuses on particular products, emphasizes
customer responsiveness and strives for improved manufacturing efficiencies  and
lower  operating  costs.  The  following  table  identifies,  by  business,  the
Company's principal products and examples of their end uses.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    CORE BUSINESS             PRODUCTS                                   PRIMARY END USE
<S>                     <C>                   <C>                                       <C>
FIBERS                  PAN PRECURSOR Carbon  Raw material for carbon fiber
                        fibers                Raw materials for prepregs and fabrics
                                              Filament winding for various space, defense and industrial
                                              applications
 
FABRICS                 Woven fiberglass,     Prepregs
                        carbon and aramid     Honeycomb
                        reinforcements        Printed circuit boards
                                              Window blinds
                                              Insulation
                                              Soft body armor
                                              Metal and fume filtration systems
 
COMPOSITE MATERIALS     Honeycomb             Sandwich panels for:
                                              Aircraft components
                                              High-speed and mass transit
                                                 train components
                                              Energy absorption components for
                                                 mass transit
                                              Athletic shoe components
                        Prepregs              Aircraft components
                                              Recreation applications:
                                              Fishing rods
                                              Tennis rackets
                                              Golf clubs
                                              Skis and snowboards
                                              Munitions and defense systems
                        Adhesives             Bonding of sandwich panels - honeycomb
                                              to prepregs and aluminum
 
SPECIAL PROCESS         Machined and          Semi-finished commercial and military
                        fabricated             aerospace components:
                        honeycomb parts       Helicopter rotor blades
                                              Space shuttle doors
                                              Aircraft surfaces:
                                              Flaps
                                              Wing tips
                                              Elevators
                                              Aircraft fairings
                                              Automotive carburetor components
 
STRUCTURES AND          Structures            Wing-to-body fairings
INTERIORS                                     Flap track fairings
                                              Radomes
                                              Engine cowls
                                              Inlet ducts
                                              Wing panels
                                              Other aircraft components
                        Interiors             OEM and retrofit
                                              interior systems for aircraft such as:
                                              Overhead stowage compartments
                                              Lavatories
                                              Sidewalls
                                              Ceilings
</TABLE>
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
    FIBERS.  The Fibers  business develops, manufactures  and markets PAN  based
carbon  fiber for  sale to customers  and for  use in its  Fabrics and Composite
Materials businesses.  Carbon fibers  are  woven into  carbon fabrics,  used  as
reinforcement  in  conjunction  with  a  RESIN  MATRIX  to  produce  prepreg and
"TOW-PREG", and used in filament winding and advanced fiber placement to produce
composite structures. The Company  sells to customers  approximately 90% of  the
fiber it produces.
 
    The  Fibers business  operates two facilities  in the United  States. At its
Decatur, Alabama facility, the Company  produces the precursor fiber from  which
it manufactures finished carbon fiber at its Bacchus, Utah facility. The Company
has  the capacity  to manufacture,  depending on  fiber type,  approximately 3.5
million pounds of  carbon fiber annually  at its Utah  facility. The Company  is
currently increasing the capacity of its Alabama facility so that it can produce
at  least 100% of  its precursor requirements,  and reduce the  unit cost of the
precursor it  consumes  by  removing  its historic  dependence  on  supplies  of
precursor  from Japan.  The Company  will expand  carbon fiber  capacity through
process improvements and  investment when,  in the  Company's judgement,  market
conditions favor such expansion.
 
    FABRICS.    The Fabrics  business  is a  leading  weaver of  synthetic fiber
reinforcements for composite  material applications and  a weaver of  fiberglass
yarn for printed circuit board, window blinds, thermal insulation and filtration
applications and aramid fibers for soft body armor.
 
    The  Fabrics business operates a  number of plants near  Lyon, France, and a
plant at Seguin, Texas. As part of the Company's business consolidation program,
the Fabrics business is reorganizing  its manufacturing operations in France  by
eliminating   four  satellite  facilities   and  consolidating  similar  weaving
operations at  single  sites. In  the  United  States the  Fabrics  business  is
expanding  its fiberglass weaving and treatment capacity to enable it to produce
higher performance fiberglass for composite materials applications and to supply
the United States affiliates  of its European  printed circuit board  customers.
The  Fabrics business  also participates in  a joint  venture with Owens-Corning
that makes stitchbonded and multi-axial fabrics.
 
    COMPOSITE  MATERIALS.      The  Composite   Materials   business   develops,
manufactures  and  sells  metallic  and  non-metallic  honeycomb  cores;  woven,
uni-directional  tape  and  tow  prepregs;  film  adhesives;  and  standard  and
customized  sandwich  panels. Capturing  the  synergies of  the  Ciba Composites
Business and the Hercules Composite  Business, the Composite Materials  business
is   consolidating  manufacturing  operations  to   "right  size"  capacity  and
leveraging the  process  technology  capabilities of  the  combined  businesses.
Redundancies  are also being eliminated in  sales and marketing and research and
technology functions.
 
    - PREPREGS.  The  Composite Materials business  today operates nine  prepreg
      manufacturing  facilities. In  the United  States, it  has four facilities
      located  in  Anaheim  and  Livermore,  California;  Lancaster,  Ohio;  and
      Bacchus,  Utah. In  Europe, it  has five  facilities at  Duxford, England;
      Welkenraedt, Belgium; two facilities near Lyon, France; Madrid, Spain; and
      near Linz, Austria. As  a result of  the Company's business  consolidation
      program,   the  Composite  Materials  business  will  concentrate  prepreg
      manufacturing in six facilities; three in  the United States and three  in
      Europe.  The Fabrics business  supplies the majority  of the woven fabrics
      used in  the  manufacture of  woven  prepegs by  the  Composite  Materials
      business.
 
    - HONEYCOMB.   As part of its  business consolidation program, the Composite
      Materials business will  centralize its  European honeycomb  manufacturing
      operations   at   its   Duxford,  England,   facility   ceasing  honeycomb
      manufacturing operations at  Welkenraedt, Belgium. In  the United  States,
      honeycomb manufacturing operations have been concentrated at the Company's
      Casa Grande, Arizona facility. For the last two years, the Ciba Composites
      Business  has had its Nomex-Registered Trademark- and fiberglass honeycomb
      manufactured by third party manufacturers. Manufacturing of these items is
      now being transferred to the Company's Casa Grande, Arizona facility.  The
      Composite  Materials business  provides all of  the honeycomb  used by the
      Special Process business and some of  the honeycomb used by the  Company's
      Structures and Interiors business.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
    - ADHESIVES.   The  Composite Materials  business manufactures  adhesives at
      Duxford, England and in Anaheim and Livermore, California. Film  adhesives
      are  utilized  in  bonding  honeycomb,  prepregs  and  other  materials to
      fabricate sandwich panels and other composite structures.
 
    - SANDWICH PANELS.  The  Composite Materials business manufactures  standard
      sandwich  panels at Duxford,  England, engineered sandwich  panels used in
      train, marine,  and  construction applications  at  Welkenraedt,  Belgium;
      engineered  panels at Casa  Grande, Arizona; and  aircraft floor panels in
      Anaheim, California.  Sandwich  panels  are  fabricated  using  honeycomb,
      phenolic  foam  and  balsa  core  materials  sandwiched  between prepregs,
      aluminum or steel skins. Film adhesives are used to bond the skins to  the
      core materials.
 
    The  Composite  Materials  business  participates in  a  joint  venture with
Dainippon Ink & Chemicals, Inc. (the "DIC-Hexcel" joint venture) that was formed
in 1980. The joint venture operates  a manufacturing facility in Komatsu,  Japan
that  produces  Nomex-Registered Trademark-  honeycomb, prepregs  and decorative
laminates. The DIC-Hexcel venture  distributes its own products  as well as  the
Company's  composite materials  in Japan.  The business  also participates  in a
joint venture with Fyfe Associates Corporation that is developing and  marketing
composite systems used in seismic retrofitting and environmental erosion.
 
    SPECIAL  PROCESS.   The Special  Process business  carves, shapes  and forms
honeycomb manufactured by the Composite  Materials business into complex  shapes
ready  to be  used as semi-finished  components in the  manufacture of composite
structures. Typical  applications include  helicopter rotor  blades;  components
used  in the  assembly of aircraft  landing gear doors,  flight control surfaces
such as elevators, flaps and wing  winglets, and aircraft fairings; and  airflow
directionalizers   used  in  General  Motors  carburetors.  At  its  Pottsville,
Pennsylvania facility, the business operates the world's largest installed  base
of  numerically  controlled,  five-axis  milling  machines  for  the  milling of
honeycomb. Using computer aided  design tools, the business  is able to  receive
electronically  designs  of  components  from  its  customers  and  convert them
directly into computer  based operating instructions  for its milling  machines.
The  business is also  a leader in  the heat forming  of non-metallic honeycomb,
producing complex  shapes from  flat sheets  of honeycomb.  The Special  Process
business  currently  has operations  in  Burlington and  Bellingham, Washington;
Pottsville, Arizona; Casa  Grande, Arizona; Duxford,  England; and  Welkenraedt,
Belgium.  As  part of  the business  consolidation  program, operations  will be
consolidated into two  United States  facilities, and  the Welkenraedt,  Belgium
facility.
 
    STRUCTURES  AND INTERIORS.   The Structures and  Interiors business operates
facilities in Washington state under the "Heath Tecna" tradename. The Structures
business fabricates FINISHED  PARTS and components  manufactured from  composite
materials,  many supplied by the Composite  Materials business. Utilizing a full
range of  composite materials  processing  technologies, the  business  produces
ready   to  install  military   and  commercial  aircraft   components  such  as
wing-to-body and  flap-track fairings,  radomes, engine  cowls and  wing  panels
together  with  some truck  components.  It also  operates  a small  facility in
Brindisi, Italy.
 
    The Interiors business manufactures OEM and retrofit interior components for
commercial aircraft such as stowage bins, sidewalls, ceiling panels, lavatories,
and  bulkheads.  The  business  uses  composite  materials  to  fabricate  these
ready-to-install components. The Interiors business is exploring the markets for
interior products for trains and marine applications.
 
    The  Structures and Interiors businesses are well-positioned to benefit from
the industry  trend of  offloading composite  aircraft component  and  interiors
production by the major aircraft manufacturers.
 
MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND RAW MATERIALS
 
    The  Company's manufacturing capabilities are  integrated across all product
lines. At each level of integration,  Hexcel sells a significant portion of  its
products  to outside customers, thus exposing each product line to market forces
and stimulating productivity and  innovation so that  such product lines  remain
cost  competitive and  at the leading  edge of technology.  The Ciba Acquisition
provided the
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
Company  with  additional  integration   opportunities  between  its   Composite
Materials and Structures and Interiors core businesses. The Hercules Acquisition
additionally strengthened the Company's integrated manufacturing capabilities by
providing  Hexcel with a PAN-based carbon fiber business. The Company intends to
continue integrating its manufacturing  processes and products through  internal
development  and  selective  acquisitions.  See  "--  Vertical  Integration" The
following table illustrates the Company's integrated manufacturing capabilities.
 
                    CHART DEPICTING THE VERTICAL INTEGRATED
                   MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES OF THE COMPANY
 
    Hexcel's production activities,  and in particular  its Special Process  and
Structures  and Interiors core businesses, are  generally based on a combination
of "make to order" and "make  to forecast" production requirements. The  Company
coordinates  closely  with key  suppliers  in an  effort  to avoid  raw material
shortages.
 
RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
 
    Hexcel's Research & Technology function  ("R&T") supports all the  Company's
core  businesses  worldwide. R&T  maintains  expertise in  chemical formulation,
curatives,  textile  architectures,  advanced  composites  structures,   process
engineering,  analysis and testing of  composite materials, computational design
and prediction,  and  other  scientific disciplines  related  to  the  Company's
worldwide business base. Additionally, R&T performs a limited amount of contract
research  and  development in  the United  States  and Europe  for strategically
important customers  in  the areas  of  ceramics, higher  temperature  polymers,
advanced textiles and composite structures manufacturing.
 
    Each  core business maintains research and engineering staffs and facilities
to support  its  business  operations.  Worldwide  investment  in  research  and
technology  is directed  and coordinated  by a  committee consisting  of the R&T
managers within each of Hexcel's core businesses.
 
    Hexcel's products rely  primarily on  the Company's  expertise in  materials
science,  textiles, process  engineering and polymer  chemistry. Consistent with
market demand, the  Company has  been placing  more emphasis  on cost  effective
product  design and agile  manufacturing in recent years.  Towards this end, the
Company has entered into formal and informal partnerships, as well as  licensing
and  teaming arrangements, with several  customers, suppliers, external agencies
and  laboratories.  Management  believes  that  the  Company  possesses   unique
capabilities   to  design,  develop  and  manufacture  composite  materials  and
structures, and that these capabilities should be protected. Management believes
that the patents and know-how rights currently owned or licensed by the  Company
are adequate for the conduct of the Company's business.
 
MARKETS AND CUSTOMERS
 
    Hexcel's  materials are  sold for  a broad  range of  uses. The  table below
displays the historical  percentage distribution  of net sales  by market  since
1991.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                -----------------------------------------------------
                                                                  1995       1994       1993       1992       1991
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
NET SALES BY MARKET:
  Commercial aerospace........................................         45%        47%        42%        46%        47%
  Space and defense...........................................         11         11         18         17         19
  Recreation and general industrial...........................         44         42         40         37         34
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                      100%       100%       100%       100%       100%
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS:
  International net sales (a).................................  $   170.7  $   142.3  $   125.4  $   148.9  $   153.2
  Percentage of net sales.....................................         49%        45%        40%        42%        43%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(a)  Net sales of international subsidiaries and U.S. exports, in millions.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
        AEROSPACE.   Historically, the commercial aerospace industry has led the
    development of applications for  composite materials and structures  because
    it has the strongest need for the performance properties of these materials,
    and is well-positioned to maximize the economic benefits from their use. The
    demand  for composite material  products, however, is  closely correlated to
    the demand for commercial aircraft which is driven by, among other  factors,
    the  growth in revenue passenger miles flown by the world's airlines and the
    rate of replacement of existing aircraft. Industry studies indicate that air
    travel growth is closely correlated to economic growth, the availability  of
    airport  and air traffic control capacity, airline industry deregulation and
    the price of oil. The Company  believes that demand for composite  materials
    should  be  favorably  influenced  by  the  several  trends  that  have been
    identified in industry  reports: (i)  a significant increase  in air  travel
    over  the next ten years,  (ii) the replacement of  over 3,900 obsolete jets
    (35% of the 1995 fleet) over the next 20 years due to, among other  factors,
    the  Stage III government noise regulations  and (iii) expected increases in
    aircraft  fleet   size   during   the  next   decade.   Moreover,   aircraft
    manufacturers,  such as Boeing, Airbus  and McDonnell Douglas, are consuming
    significantly greater quantities of composite  materials in order to  reduce
    the  weight  of  commercial  aircraft and  make  them  more  fuel efficient.
    Nevertheless, despite  the increasing  usage of  high performance  composite
    materials  in commercial aircraft, the Company must continuously demonstrate
    the cost benefits  of its  products in aerospace  applications. As  aircraft
    manufacturers  seek to  be more  competitive, they  look to  their composite
    materials suppliers and sub-contractors to work with them to reduce the cost
    of overall aircraft components.
 
        SPACE AND DEFENSE.  The space and defense markets have historically been
    innovators in and sources of significant demand for composite materials. For
    example, Hexcel honeycomb was used in the feet of the first lunar module  to
    cushion  its  landing  on the  moon  and  composite materials  made  a major
    contribution to the development of "stealth" technologies during the  1980's
    resulting  in the F-117A  "stealth fighter" and  B-2 "stealth bomber." Since
    the end of  the Cold  War, government expenditures  on military  procurement
    have  declined sharply. Statistics of  the United States government's Office
    of Management and Budget show  that defense procurement expenditures in  the
    United  States  declined  from  approximately  $82  billion  in  1989  to an
    estimated $55 billion in 1995  and are projected to  fall to $49 billion  in
    1996.  Nevertheless, there remain a  number of significant military programs
    that utilize composite materials  such as the  F-22 tactical aircraft,  C-17
    cargo   aircraft,   Comanche  helicopter   and  V-22   tilt-rotor  aircraft.
    Historically, Hexcel has maintained a greater market share in the commercial
    rather than  the military  aerospace  market. With  the acquisition  of  the
    Hercules  Composites  Business, the  Company  will supplement  its  sales to
    military customers by obtaining a  number of product qualifications for  use
    in both United States and foreign military aircraft and space programs.
 
        RECREATION.    Recreation products  are fast  becoming the  most visible
    markets for  composite materials.  One of  the largest  applications in  the
    market is the manufacture of prepregs for graphite golf club shafts. Hexcel,
    which developed the prepreg used to make the Taylor
    Made-Registered  Trademark- bubble shaft, is  a significant supplier to golf
    shaft manufacturers. In  addition to manufacturing  composite materials  for
    Taylor  Made-Registered Trademark-, one of  the market leaders for composite
    drivers, Hexcel also supplies materials used in
    Callaway-Registered Trademark- golf clubs, another industry leader.
 
            Other markets for composite materials applications include  athletic
    shoes, skis and snowboards. Hexcel has benefited from the growing demand for
    athletic  shoes through  its position  as a  supplier of  a majority  of the
    thermoplastic honeycomb  used in  many Reebok-Registered  Trademark-  shoes.
    While  demand in the  ski industry has  been flat during  the last couple of
    years, the snowboard  market is currently  growing rapidly. Hexcel  supplies
    more  than  50%  of  the prepregs,  honeycomb,  polyurethanes  and pre-cured
    laminates used in Europe  to produce skis  and snowboards. Other  recreation
    applications  for composite materials include  tennis rackets, fishing rods,
    wind surfing booms and  boards, surf boards,  bicycles, hockey and  lacrosse
    sticks, in-line skates, kayaks and
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
    paddles.  Management  believes  that  the  recreation  market  for composite
    materials will continue to grow through the end of the decade as the  demand
    for high performance, lightweight recreation equipment intensifies.
 
        GENERAL INDUSTRIAL.  The Company is actively developing applications for
    composite  materials,  parts  and structures  in  automotive,  marine, rail,
    infrastructure and other  industrial markets where  the performance of  such
    materials  offers economic  solutions to  customer needs.  In the automotive
    market,  the  Company  supplies  airflow  controllers  made  from  microcell
    aluminum honeycomb that are incorporated into fuel injection systems of many
    automobiles.   Hexcel   has  also   been   working  with   major  automobile
    manufacturers  on  the  development   of  honeycomb  components  for   crash
    attenuation,  utilizing  honeycomb's  energy  absorption  characteristics in
    managing crash impacts. Given the large volume of automobiles  manufactured,
    even  the incorporation of a low cost component will offer substantial sales
    revenues through the large volume of units required. Composite materials are
    increasingly being used in  the manufacture of high  speed and mass  transit
    trains,  particularly in Europe. Custom engineered honeycomb sandwich panels
    are now used as floors in the French TGV trains, doors on subway trains, and
    side walls on the shuttle trains in the Channel Tunnel. The majority of  the
    Fabrics core business products are supplied to industrial applications. With
    the  rapid growth in personal computing  and communications in recent years,
    the Company  has enjoyed  double digit  annual growth  in the  sales of  its
    fabrics  for lightweight printed  circuit board applications  in Europe. The
    Company's fabrics are used  to produce vertical blinds  used in offices  and
    exterior  window blinds used in sunny  climates. Fiberglass fabrics are also
    utilized in thermal insulation  and industrial filtration applications.  The
    Company will continue to selectively develop industrial applications for its
    products where the use of composite materials offers significant performance
    and economic advantages to a customer group.
 
SALES AND MARKETING
 
    Each  of the  core businesses  retains a  staff of  market managers, product
managers, and sales engineers that market their products directly to  customers.
The  Company also uses independent distributors and manufacturer representatives
for certain products, markets and regions. In the emerging Asia-Pacific  region,
the Company sells all its products through a single sales and marketing team. It
is anticipated that 30% - 40% of all commercial aircraft sold in the next decade
will  be sold to the Asia-Pacific market, expanding the demand for the Company's
products. The Company's sales and marketing teams work in close association with
its customers  to  identify their  needs  and develop  composite  materials  and
composite materials applications that meet their requirements.
 
COMPETITION
 
    In  the production and sale of  its materials, Hexcel competes with numerous
United States  and  international companies  on  a worldwide  basis.  The  broad
markets  for the Company's products are  highly competitive, and the Company has
focused on both specific markets and specialty products within markets to obtain
market share. In addition to competing directly with companies offering  similar
products,  Hexcel materials compete with substitute structural materials such as
structural foam,  wood, metal,  and concrete.  Depending upon  the material  and
markets,  relevant competitive factors include price, delivery, service, quality
and product performance. The acquisition of the Ciba
and Hercules Composites Businesses  enhanced the Company's competitive  position
by  broadening the Company's  product portfolio and  strengthening the Company s
position in certain geographic regions.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
    The Company  is subject  to numerous  federal, state  and foreign  laws  and
regulations  that impose  strict requirements for  the control  and abatement of
air, water  and soil  pollutants and  the manufacturing,  storage, handling  and
disposal  of hazardous substances and waste.  These laws and regulations include
the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
("CERCLA" or  "Superfund"), the  Clean Air  Act,  the Clean  Water Act  and  the
Resource Conservation
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
and  Recovery Act. The  costs of compliance, including  capital costs, with such
requirements  in  the  United  States  and  in  foreign  jurisdictions  may   be
substantial.   Moreover,  regulatory  standards  under  environmental  laws  and
regulations have tended to become increasingly stringent over time.
 
    The Company  is  currently a  party  to,  or otherwise  involved  in,  legal
proceedings  in connection with several Superfund sites. Because CERCLA provides
for joint and several  liability, a government plaintiff  could seek to  recover
all  remediation costs at a waste disposal  site from any one of the potentially
responsible parties ("PRPs"), including the Company. Generally, where there  are
a  number of  financially viable  PRPs, liability  has been  apportioned, or the
Company believes, based on its experience with such matters, that liability will
be apportioned based on the type and amount of waste disposed of by each PRP  at
such  disposal  site and  the  number of  financially  viable PRPs,  although no
assurance can be given as to any particular site.
 
    In addition to Superfund sites,  the Company is currently investigating  and
remediating  on-site  disposal  areas  at  certain  of  its  current  and former
facilities. There  can be  no  assurance that  the  Company has  identified  all
off-site  liability  matters  for  which  it  may  be  responsible,  all on-site
remediation matters involving its current or former facilities or that the  cost
of  such known or unknown remediation matters  will not be material. The Company
has established financial reserves in cases where the amount of  environmentally
related  expenditures  is  reasonably  estimable.  As  assessments  and cleanups
proceed, and as additional information becomes available, these reserves amounts
are reviewed and adjusted, if necessary.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    As of  March 31,  1996, Hexcel  employed 4,077  full-time employees  in  its
continuing operations, compared with 2,127 and 2,189 as of December 31, 1995 and
1994,   respectively.   Approximately  13%   of   these  employees   have  union
affiliations. Management  believes  that  labor relations  have  been  generally
satisfactory.
 
    As  a result of the Ciba Acquisition  on February 29, 1996, and the Hercules
Acquisition on  June      ,  1996, Hexcel  added  approximately  2,150  and  500
employees, respectively, to its workforce, some of whom have union affiliations.
 
PROPERTIES
 
    Hexcel  owns  manufacturing  facilities  and  leases  sales  offices located
throughout the  United  States  and  in other  countries  as  noted  below.  The
corporate  offices for the Company are located in leased facilities in Stamford,
Connecticut and  Pleasanton,  California.  The Company's  central  research  and
technology laboratories are located in Dublin, California.
 
    The  following  table  lists  the  manufacturing  facilities  of  Hexcel  by
geographic  location,  approximate  square   footage,  and  principal   products
manufactured,  including the facilities acquired in connection with the Ciba and
Hercules Acquisitions. The Company recently announced its decision to close  the
acquired  Anaheim facility,  restructure its manufacturing  operations in France
and scale down operations  at its Welkenraedt,  Belgium facility. Following  the
completion  of  these and  certain other  consolidation activities,  the Company
expects to  have  eliminated  approximately  400,000 square  feet  (9%)  of  its
worldwide  manufacturing space;  however, management  believes that  the Company
will
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
possess production capacity appropriate for the conduct of its business for  the
foreseeable  future.  The following  table  does not  include  the manufacturing
facilities operated by the Company's joint ventures.
 
                            MANUFACTURING FACILITIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   APPROXIMATE
       FACILITY LOCATION          SQUARE FOOTAGE                        PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS
- --------------------------------  --------------  ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>
United States:
  Bacchus, Utah                        362,000    Carbon; prepregs
  Decatur, Alabama                     126,000    PAN precursor
  Seguin, Texas                        189,000    Reinforcement Fabrics
  Anaheim, California (1)              300,000    Prepregs; Honeycomb; Adhesives
  Casa Grande, Arizona                 320,000    Honeycomb; Special Process Honeycomb
  Lancaster, Ohio                       35,000    Prepregs
  Livermore, California                141,000    Prepregs
  Burlington, Washington                58,000    Special Process Honeycomb
  Pottsville, Pennsylvania             104,000    Special Process Honeycomb
  Bellingham, Washington               185,000    Interiors; Special Process Honeycomb
  Kent, Washington                     910,000    Interiors; Structures
International:
  Les Avenieres, France                462,000    Reinforcement Fabrics; Prepregs
  Lyon, France                         230,000    Reinforcement Fabrics; Prepregs
  Linz, Austria                        187,000    Prepregs
  Welkenraedt, Belgium (2)             223,000    Prepregs; Honeycomb; Special Process Honeycomb
  Duxford, England                     380,000    Prepregs; Honeycomb; Adhesives
  Swindon, England                      20,000    Special Process Honeycomb
  Brindisi, Italy                      110,000    Structures
  Madrid, Spain                         43,000    Prepregs
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) Anaheim, California facility to be closed  in 1998 with surplus real  estate
    being sold.
 
(2) Welkenraedt,  Belgium facility to be reduced by 100,000 square feet in 1999,
    with surplus real estate being sold.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    Prior to  February 29,  1996, the  Board of  Directors of  the Company  (the
"Board  of Directors") consisted of nine directors. Effective February 29, 1996,
the Board of  Directors was reconstituted  in accordance with  the terms of  the
Strategic  Alliance Agreement  and the  Governance Agreement,  to consist  of 10
directors, currently including four Ciba Directors (John M.D. Cheesmond, Stanley
Sherman, Joseph T. Sullivan and Hermann Vodicka), the Chairman of the Board  and
Chief  Executive Officer of the  Company (John J. Lee),  the President and Chief
Operating Officer  of  the  Company (Juergen  Habermeier)  and  four  additional
Independent Directors (Marshall S. Geller, Martin L. Solomon, George S. Springer
and Franklin S. Wimer).
 
    The  following table sets forth  certain information regarding the directors
and certain executive  officers of the  Company as  of May 23,  1996. No  family
relationship exists between any director or executive officer of the Company and
any other director or executive officer of the Company.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME                             AGE                                    POSITION
- ---------------------------      ---      --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>          <C>
John J. Lee                          59   Chairman of the Board; Chief Executive Officer; Director
Juergen Habermeier                   54   President; Chief Operating Officer; Director
Stephen C. Forsyth                   41   Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration
David M. Wong                        51   Vice President of Corporate Affairs
William P. Meehan                    60   Vice President of Finance; Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer
Wayne C. Pensky                      40   Corporate Controller; Chief Accounting Officer
Bruce D. Herman                      40   Treasurer
Joseph H. Shaulson                   30   Vice President of Corporate Development; Acting General Counsel;
                                           Acting Secretary
John M.D. Cheesmond                  46   Director
Marshall S. Geller                   57   Director
Stanley Sherman                      57   Director
Martin L. Solomon                    59   Director
George S. Springer                   62   Director
Joseph T. Sullivan                   55   Director
Hermann Vodicka                      53   Director
Franklin S. Wimer                    60   Director
</TABLE>
 
    JOHN J. LEE, age 59, has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Company  since  February  1996,  Chief  Executive  Officer  since  January 1994,
Chairman and  Chief  Executive  Officer  from January  1994  to  February  1995,
Chairman  and  Co-Chief  Executive Officer  of  the  Company from  July  1993 to
December 1993 and a Director of the Company since May 1993. Mr. Lee also  serves
as Chairman of the Nominating Committee and a member of the Finance Committee of
the  Company. Mr. Lee served as a director of XTRA Corporation, a transportation
equipment leasing company, from 1990 to January 1996, and has served as Chairman
of  the  Board,  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Lee  Development
Corporation,  a merchant banking company, since 1987. Mr. Lee has been a Trustee
of Yale University  and an advisor  to The Clipper  Group, a private  investment
partnership  since 1993. From  July 1989 through  April 1993, Mr.  Lee served as
Chairman of the  Board and Chief  Executive Officer of  Seminole Corporation,  a
manufacturer  and distributor of fertilizer. From April 1988 through April 1993,
Mr. Lee  served as  a director  of  Tosco Corporation,  a national  refiner  and
marketer  of petroleum products, and as President and Chief Operating Officer of
Tosco from 1990
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
through April 1993. From February  1994 through June 1995,  Mr. Lee served as  a
director  of Playtex Products Corporation.  Mr. Lee is also  a director of Aviva
Petroleum Corporation, and various privately held corporations.
 
    DR. JUERGEN HABERMEIER,  age 54,  has served as  President, Chief  Operating
Officer  and a Director of the Company  since February 1996. Dr. Habermeier also
serves as a member of the Technology Committee of the Company. Prior to  joining
the  Company,  Dr. Habermeier  served as  the President  of the  Ciba Composites
Business and as a Vice President of  CGC since 1989. Since 1994, Dr.  Habermeier
has  served on the Board of Directors of  RHR International. He is also a member
of the Advisory Committee of the Polymer Composites Laboratory of the University
of Washington.
 
    STEPHEN C. FORSYTH, age 41, has  served as Senior Vice President of  Finance
and  Administration of  the Company since  February 1996. Mr.  Forsyth served as
Vice President of International Operations of  the Company from October 1994  to
February  1996 and General  Manager of the Company's  Resins Business and Export
Marketing from 1989 to 1994 and held other general management positions with the
Company from 1980 to 1989. Mr. Forsyth joined the Company in 1980.
 
    DAVID M. WONG, age 51, has served as Vice President of Corporate Affairs  of
Hexcel  since February  1996. Mr.  Wong served  as Hexcel's  Director of Special
Projects from July  1993 to  February 1996  and Corporate  Controller and  Chief
Accounting Officer of Hexcel from 1983 to 1993 and held other general management
positions from 1979 to 1983. Mr. Wong joined Hexcel in 1979.
 
    WILLIAM P. MEEHAN, age 60, has served as Vice President of Finance and Chief
Financial  Officer  of the  Company since  September 1993  and Treasurer  of the
Company since  April 1994.  Prior to  joining the  Company in  1993, Mr.  Meehan
served  as President and Chief Executive Officer  of Thousand Trails and NACO, a
membership campground and  resort business,  from 1990 through  1992. From  1986
through 1989, Mr. Meehan served as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial
Officer of Hadco Corporation.
 
    WAYNE  C.  PENSKY, age  40,  has served  as  Corporate Controller  and Chief
Accounting Officer of the Company since July 1993. Prior to joining the  Company
in  1993, Mr. Pensky was a partner at Arthur Andersen & Co., an accounting firm,
where he was employed from 1979.
 
    BRUCE D. HERMAN, age 40, has served as Treasurer of the Company since  April
1996.  Prior to  joining the  Company, Mr.  Herman served  as Vice  President of
Finance in the Transportation and  Industrial Financing Division of USL  Capital
Corp. (formerly U.S. Leasing, Inc.) ("USL") from 1993 to 1996, Vice President of
Finance  in the Equipment Financing  Group of USL from 1991  to 1993 and as Vice
President of Corporate Analysis of USL from 1988 to 1991.
 
    JOSEPH H.  SHAULSON, age  30,  has served  as  Vice President  of  Corporate
Development,  Acting General Counsel  and Acting Secretary  of the Company since
April 1996. Prior to joining the Company,  Mr. Shaulson was an associate in  the
law  firm of Skadden,  Arps, Slate, Meagher  & Flom, where  he was employed from
1991 to 1996.
 
    JOHN M.D.  CHEESMOND, age  46, has  been  a Director  of the  Company  since
February   1996.  Mr.  Cheesmond  also  serves  as  Chairman  of  the  Executive
Compensation Committee and a member of the Finance Committee of the Company. Mr.
Cheesmond has served as Senior Vice  President and Head of Regional Finance  and
Control of Ciba since 1994. From 1991 through 1993, Mr. Cheesmond served as Vice
President and Head of Regional Finance and Control at Ciba Vision Corporation.
 
    MARSHALL  S. GELLER, age 57, served as Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors
of the Company from February  1995 to February 1996 and  has been a Director  of
the  Company since August 1994. Mr. Geller  also serves as Chairman of the Audit
Committee  and  a  member  of  the  Executive  Compensation  Committee  and  the
Nominating  Committee of the Company.  Mr. Geller has served  as Chairman of the
Board, Chief Executive Officer and founding  partner at Geller & Friend  Capital
Partners,  Inc.,  a merchant  banking firm,  since November  1995. From  1990 to
November 1995, Mr.  Geller was Senior  Managing Partner of  Golenberg &  Geller,
Inc.,    a   merchant    banking   firm.   From    1988   to    1990,   he   was
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
Vice Chairman of Gruntal & Company, an investment banking firm. From 1967  until
1988,  he  was  a Senior  Managing  Director of  Bear,  Stearns &  Co.  Inc., an
investment banking firm.  Mr. Geller is  currently a director  of Ballantyne  of
Omaha,  Inc., Dycam,  Inc., Players  International, Value  Vision International,
Inc.,  Styles  on  Video,  Inc.  and  various  privately-held  corporations  and
charitable organizations.
 
    STANLEY  SHERMAN, age 57, has been a  Director of the Company since February
1996. Mr. Sherman  also serves  as a  member of  the Finance  Committee and  the
Executive  Compensation Committee  of the Company.  Mr. Sherman has  served as a
director and Vice  President -- Finance  and Information Services  of CGC  since
1991.  From 1986 through 1991, Mr. Sherman served as Vice President -- Corporate
Planning of CGC.
 
    MARTIN L. SOLOMON,  age 59, has  been a self-employed  investor since  1990.
From  1988  to 1990,  Mr. Solomon  served  as Managing  Partner of  Value Equity
Associates I, L.P., an  investment partnership. From 1985  to 1987, Mr.  Solomon
was  an  investment analyst  and portfolio  manager  of Steinhardt  Partners, an
investment partnership.  Mr. Solomon  has also  served as  a director  and  Vice
Chairman  of  the Board  of Directors  of  Great Dane  Holdings, Inc.,  which is
engaged in the manufacture of transportation equipment, automobile stamping, the
leasing of taxis and insurance, since 1985, a director of XTRA Corporation since
1990, and  a  director  of DLB  Oil  &  Gas,  Inc., a  company  engaged  in  oil
exploration  and  production, since  1995.  Mr. Solomon  is  also a  director of
various privately held corporations and civic organizations.
 
    DR. GEORGE S. SPRINGER,  age 62, has  been a Director  of the Company  since
January  1993. Dr. Springer also serves  as Chairman of the Technology Committee
of the Company.  Dr. Springer  is Professor and  Chairman of  the Department  of
Aeronautics  and  Astronautics  and  Professor  of  Mechanical  Engineering  and
Professor of  Civil Engineering,  at Stanford  University. Dr.  Springer  joined
Stanford University's faculty in 1983.
 
    DR.  JOSEPH T. SULLIVAN,  age 55, has  been a Director  of the Company since
February 1996. Dr. Sullivan also serves as a member of the Nominating  Committee
of  the Company. Dr. Sullivan has served as a director and Senior Vice President
of CGC since 1986.
 
    HERMANN VODICKA, age 53, has been  a Director of the Company since  February
1996.  Mr. Vodicka also serves  as a member of  the Nominating Committee and the
Technology Committee of the Company. Mr. Vodicka has served as President of  the
Polymers  Division and a member  of the Executive Committee  of Ciba since 1993.
Mr. Vodicka is currently the Chairman of the Board of Mettler-Toledo, a  leading
worldwide  manufacturer of scales and balances  and a wholly owned subsidiary of
Ciba. From 1988 to 1993, Mr.  Vodicka was President and Chief Executive  Officer
of Mettler-Toledo.
 
    FRANKLIN  S. WIMER, age 60, was a Director of the Company from February 1995
through February 1996 and has been a  Director since May 1996. Mr. Wimer  serves
as  the President and principal of UniRock Management Corporation ("UniRock"), a
private merchant banking firm. Mr. Wimer has been with UniRock since January  of
1987.  UniRock has  acted as the  Company's strategic  consultant since December
1993. Mr. Wimer is currently Chairman of the Board of Vista Restaurants, Inc., a
12-unit Perkins Family Restaurant and a director of RAMI, Inc., Denver Paralegal
Institute, Stainless Fabrication Company, Inc. and Western Filter Company.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
                              DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
 
    The  Notes  are  to  be  issued  under  an  Indenture,  to  be  dated  as of
           , 1996 (the "Indenture"), between the Company  and              ,  as
trustee  (the  "Trustee"),  a  form of  which  is  filed as  an  exhibit  to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The following summary
of certain provisions of the  Indenture does not purport  to be complete and  is
subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions
of  the Indenture, including  the definitions of  certain capitalized terms used
below and not otherwise defined and those terms made a part thereof by the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The section references appearing below are to
sections in the Indenture.
 
GENERAL
 
    The Notes will be  unsecured subordinated obligations  of the Company,  will
mature  on               , 2003,  and will be  limited to $100,000,000 aggregate
principal amount, plus an additional amount not in excess of $15,000,000 as  may
be  purchased by the Underwriters upon  exercise of their over-allotment option.
The Notes will bear interest at the rate  per annum stated on the cover page  of
this Prospectus from            , 1996, or from the most recent Interest Payment
Date  to which interest has  been paid or provided  for, payable semiannually on
           and             in each year,  commencing             , 1997, to  the
person  in whose name such  Note (or any predecessor  Note) is registered at the
close of business on the               or               preceding such  Interest
Payment  Date (Sections 3.01 and 3.07). Interest will be computed based on a 360
day year comprised of twelve 30 day months.
 
    Principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Notes will be payable,
Notes may  be  presented for  conversion,  and transfer  of  the Notes  will  be
registrable, at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan,
The City of New York, or at any other office or agency maintained by the Company
for such purpose. In addition, payment of interest may be made, at the option of
the  Company, by check mailed  to the address of  the person entitled thereto as
shown on the Security Register (Sections 3.01, 3.05, 10.02 and 12.02). The Notes
are to be registered Notes, without  coupons, in denominations of $1,000 or  any
integral multiple thereof (Section 3.02). No service charge will be made for any
conversion  or registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, except for any tax
or other  governmental  charge  that  may be  imposed  in  connection  therewith
(Section 3.05).
 
CONVERSION RIGHTS
 
    The  Notes will be  convertible, in whole or  from time to  time in part (in
denominations of $1,000  or integral multiples  thereof), at the  option of  the
Holder  thereof, into Common  Stock of the Company,  initially at the conversion
price stated  on the  cover page  hereof, at  any time  prior to  redemption  or
maturity. The right to convert Notes called for redemption will terminate at the
close of business on the last Business Day prior to any Redemption Date and will
be  lost if  not exercised prior  to that  time, unless the  Company defaults in
making the payment due upon redemption (Section 12.01).
 
    If the Company, by dividend or  otherwise, declares or makes a  distribution
on  its Common Stock of the  type referred to in clause  (iv) or (v) of the next
paragraph, the Holder of  each Note, upon the  conversion thereof subsequent  to
the  close of business on  the date fixed for  the determination of stockholders
entitled to receive  such distribution  and prior  to the  effectiveness of  the
conversion  price adjustment in respect of  such distribution pursuant to clause
(iv) or (v) below, will  be entitled to receive for  each share of Common  Stock
into  which such Note is converted the portion of the evidences of indebtedness,
shares of capital stock, cash and other assets so distributed applicable to  one
share  of Common Stock; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company may, with respect to
all Holders  so  converting,  in  lieu  of  distributing  any  portion  of  such
distribution  not  consisting of  cash or  securities of  the Company,  pay such
Holder cash equal to the fair market value thereof, as determined in good  faith
by the Board of Directors (Section 12.01).
 
    The  conversion  price  will be  subject  to adjustment  in  certain events,
including: (i)  the payment  of dividends  (and other  distributions) in  Common
Stock on any class of capital stock of the Company;
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
(ii)  the issuance to all holders of Common Stock of rights, warrants or options
entitling them  to subscribe  for or  purchase  Common Stock  at less  than  the
current  market price (as defined in  the Indenture); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if
certain of  such rights,  warrants  or options  are  only exercisable  upon  the
occurrence  of certain triggering events, then  the conversion price will not be
adjusted until such  triggering events occur;  (iii) subdivisions,  combinations
and  reclassifications of  Common Stock;  (iv) distributions  to all  holders of
Common Stock of evidences of indebtedness of the Company, shares of any class of
capital stock, cash or other  assets (including securities, but excluding  those
dividends,  rights, warrants, options  and distributions referred  to in clauses
(i) and (ii) above and excluding dividends and distributions paid in cash out of
the current earnings of the  Company); (v) distributions consisting  exclusively
of  cash (excluding any cash distributions for which an adjustment has been made
pursuant to a preceding clause of this paragraph) to all holders of Common Stock
in an aggregate amount that, together with (A) other all-cash distributions made
within the preceding 12 months not triggering a conversion price adjustment  and
(B)  all Excess Tender Payments (as defined  below) in respect of each tender or
exchange offer  by the  Company or  any  of its  subsidiaries for  Common  Stock
concluded  within  the preceding  12 months  not  triggering a  conversion price
adjustment,  exceeds  an   amount  equal   to  20%  of   the  Company's   market
capitalization (being the product of the current market price (as defined in the
Indenture)  of the Common Stock times the  number of shares of Common Stock then
outstanding) on the date of such distribution; (vi) issuance of Common Stock  to
an  Affiliate for  a net consideration  per share  less than the  fair value per
share (other  than issuances  of Common  Stock under  certain employee  benefits
plans);  and (vii) payment  of an Excess  Tender Payment in  respect of a tender
offer or exchange offer  by the Company  or any of  its subsidiaries for  Common
Stock,  if the aggregate amount of such Excess Tender Payment, together with (A)
the aggregate  amount of  all-cash distributions  made within  the preceding  12
months  not triggering a  conversion price adjustment and  (B) all Excess Tender
Payments in respect of each  tender or exchange offer by  the Company or any  of
its  subsidiaries for Common Stock concluded  within the preceding 12 months not
triggering a conversion price adjustment, exceeds an amount equal to 20% of  the
Company's  market  capitalization  on the  expiration  of such  tender  offer or
exchange offer (Section 12.04). "Excess Tender Payment" means the excess of  (A)
the  aggregate of the cash and value  of other consideration paid by the Company
or any of its subsidiaries with respect  to the shares of Common Stock  acquired
in the tender offer or exchange offer over (B) the market value of such acquired
shares after the completion of the tender or exchange offer.
 
    In  case of certain consolidations, mergers  or share exchanges to which the
Company is a party or the conveyance, transfer or lease of substantially all the
assets of the Company, each Note then outstanding would, without the consent  of
any  Holders  of Notes,  become convertible  only  into the  kind and  amount of
securities, cash and other property receivable upon such consolidation,  merger,
share  exchange, conveyance,  transfer or  lease by  a holder  of the  number of
shares  of  Common  Stock  into  which  such  Note  might  have  been  converted
immediately  prior to  such consolidation,  merger, share  exchange, conveyance,
transfer or lease (assuming  such holder of  Common Stock is  not a person  with
which  the Company consolidated or merged  or to which such exchange, conveyance
or transfer  or lease  was made  ("Constituent  Person") or  an Affiliate  of  a
Constituent  Person and such holder failed to exercise any rights of election as
to the kind  or amount of  securities, cash and  other property receivable  upon
such  consolidation,  merger,  share exchange,  conveyance,  transfer  or lease,
PROVIDED that  if the  kind or  amount of  securities, cash  and other  property
receivable upon such consolidation, merger, share exchange, conveyance, transfer
or  lease is not the same for each  share of Common Stock held immediately prior
to such consolidation,  merger, conveyance, transfer  or lease by  other than  a
Constituent  Person or Affiliate thereof and in  respect of which such rights of
election shall not have been  exercised ("nonelecting share") then for  purposes
of  the provision described in this sentence  the kind and amount of securities,
cash and  other  property  receivable upon  such  consolidation,  merger,  share
exchange, conveyance, transfer or lease by each nonelecting share will be deemed
to  be the kind or amount so receivable  per share by a plurality of nonelecting
shares) (Section 12.11).
 
    No adjustments in  the conversion  price are  required for  any dividend  or
distribution referred to above if the Holders may participate in the dividend or
distribution (on a basis determined in good
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
faith  to be fair by the Board  of Directors) and receive the same consideration
they would have received  if they had converted  the Notes immediately prior  to
the record date with respect to such dividend or distribution (Section 12.13).
 
    No  adjustment of  the conversion  price will be  required to  be made until
cumulative adjustments amount  to 1%  or more of  the conversion  price as  last
adjusted;  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that  any  adjustment  that  would  otherwise be
required to  be made  will be  carried forward  and taken  into account  in  any
subsequent   adjustment  (Section  12.04).  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  no
adjustment to the conversion price shall  reduce the conversion price below  the
then par value per share of the Common Stock, if any.
 
    Certain adjustments in the conversion price in accordance with the foregoing
provisions could be taxable pursuant to Section 305 of the Internal Revenue Code
of  1986, as amended, as a constructive  distribution of stock to Holders of the
Notes at the time of  such adjustments in the  conversion price. In addition  to
the foregoing adjustments, the Company will be permitted to make such reductions
in  the conversion price as it considers to be advisable in order that any event
treated for federal income tax purposes as  a dividend of stock or stock  rights
will not be taxable to the recipients (Section 12.04).
 
    Fractional  shares of Common Stock will  not be issued upon conversion, but,
in lieu thereof, the Company  will pay a cash  adjustment based upon the  market
price  of the  Common Stock  (Section 12.03).  Notes surrendered  for conversion
during the period from  the close of  business on any  Regular Record Date  next
preceding  any Interest Payment Date to the opening of business on such Interest
Payment Date  (except Notes  or  portions thereof  called  for redemption  on  a
redemption  date within such period between  and including a Regular Record Date
and a related Interest Payment Date) must be accompanied by payment of an amount
equal to the interest thereon that the registered Holder is to receive. No other
payment or adjustment for  interest or dividends is  to be made upon  conversion
(Section 3.07 and 12.02).
 
SUBORDINATION OF NOTES
 
    The  payment of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Notes,
and the payment in respect of any  repurchase of Notes as described below  under
"Repurchase  of Notes at the Option of the Holder Upon a Change of Control" are,
to the extent set forth  in the Indenture, subordinated  in right of payment  to
the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness (as defined below), whether
now  outstanding or incurred in the future  (Section 13.01). Upon any payment or
distribution of assets of the Company to creditors upon any dissolution, winding
up, liquidation or reorganization, the  holders of all Senior Indebtedness  will
be  entitled to  receive payment  in full of  all amounts  due or  to become due
thereon before the Holders of the Notes will be entitled to receive any  payment
in  respect of  the principal of  or premium, if  any, or interest  on the Notes
(Section 13.02). However,  the obligation  of the  Company to  make payments  of
principal of or premium, if any, and interest on the Notes will not otherwise be
affected (Section 13.04).
 
    No payment on account of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the
Notes may be made and no repurchase of the Notes may be made as described herein
under "Repurchase of Notes at the Option of the Holder Upon a Change of Control"
at any time when there is a continuing default in any payment of principal of or
premium,  if  any,  or  interest  or  other  payment  obligation  on  any Senior
Indebtedness. In addition, no payment on account of principal of or premium,  if
any,  or interest on the Notes may be made and no repurchase of the Notes may be
made as described herein under "Repurchase of Notes at the Option of the  Holder
Upon  a Change  of Control" at  any time when  there shall have  occurred and be
continuing any event of default (other than a payment default referred to in the
immediately preceding sentence) with respect  to any Senior Indebtedness,  which
default  would permit immediate acceleration thereof, for the period (a "Payment
Blockage Period") commencing on receipt of notice of such default by the Trustee
from a holder of certain Senior Indebtedness (or any representative thereof) and
ending on the earlier of  (i) the date such event  of default has been cured  or
waived  and (ii) the date 180 days after receipt of such notice (Section 13.03).
Any number of such
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
notices may be  given; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,  that during any  360-day period,  the
aggregate  Payment Blockage Periods shall not exceed 180 days and there shall be
a period of at least 180 consecutive days when no Payment Blockage Period is  in
effect.
 
    The  Holders of the Notes will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of
Senior Indebtedness to the extent of  payments made on Senior Indebtedness  upon
any distribution of assets in any such proceedings out of the distributive share
of the Notes (Section 13.02).
 
    By  reason of such subordination, in the event of insolvency of the Company,
Holders of the  Notes may  recover less, ratably,  than other  creditors of  the
Company.
 
    Senior  Indebtedness  is  defined  in the  Indenture  as  the  principal and
premium, if  any, and  unpaid interest  on,  and any  reasonable fees  or  costs
related  to, (a) indebtedness  of the Company  (including indebtedness of others
guaranteed by the Company) other than the Notes, whether outstanding on the date
of the Indenture or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed (i)  for
money  owing to banks or their subsidiaries  or their affiliates, (ii) for money
borrowed other than from banks evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or  similar
instruments  or  (iii) arising  under a  lease of  property, equipment  or other
assets, which indebtedness, pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles
then in  effect, is  classified  upon the  balance sheet  of  the Company  as  a
liability  of  the Company,  unless, in  each case,  the instrument  creating or
evidencing the same or pursuant to  which the same is outstanding provides  that
such  indebtedness is not superior in right of  payment to the Notes; (b) to the
extent not otherwise described  in clause (a) above,  any obligations under  the
Credit  Facility; and (c) renewals,  extensions, modifications and refundings of
any such indebtedness;  PROVIDED, HOWEVER,  that Senior  Indebtedness shall  not
include  (i)  indebtedness  to  a  subsidiary of  the  Company  or  (ii)  the 7%
Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2011 (Section 1.01).
 
    As of March 31, 1996, after giving pro forma effect to the Offering and  the
application   of  the  net  proceeds  therefrom,  the  Company  would  have  had
outstanding approximately  $175.2 million  of Senior  Indebtedness. The  Company
expects  from time to time to  incur additional indebtedness constituting Senior
Indebtedness. The Indenture does not prohibit or limit the incurrence of  Senior
Indebtedness by the Company.
 
REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF THE COMPANY
 
    The  Notes are not subject to the  provisions of any sinking fund. The Notes
will be redeemable, at the  Company's option, in whole or  from time to time  in
part  (in denominations  of $1,000 or  integral multiples thereof),  on or after
            , 1999, and prior to maturity, upon  not less than 20 nor more  than
40  days'  notice mailed  to the  registered Holders  thereof at  the redemption
prices (expressed as  a percentage of  the principal amount  thereof) set  forth
below  if redeemed  during the period  commencing on                of the years
indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR                                                                      REDEMPTION PRICE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------
<S>                                                                       <C>
1999....................................................................              %
2000....................................................................              %
2001....................................................................              %
2002....................................................................              %
</TABLE>
 
plus, in each  case, accrued  interest to the  redemption date  (subject to  the
right  of Holders of record on the  relevant record date to receive interest due
on the relevant Interest Payment Date) (Sections 2.03, 11.01, 11.05 and 11.07).
 
REPURCHASE OF NOTES AT THE OPTION OF THE HOLDER UPON A CHANGE OF CONTROL
    In the event of  any Change of  Control (as defined  below), each Holder  of
Notes  will have the  right, at the  Holder's option, to  require the Company to
repurchase all or any part  of the Holder's Notes  on the date (the  "Repurchase
Date")  that is 75 days after the date the Company gives notice of the Change of
Control as described below at a price (the "Repurchase Price") equal to 100%  of
the
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
principal  amount  thereof, together  with accrued  and  unpaid interest  to the
Repurchase Date.  (Section 14.01).  On  or prior  to  the Repurchase  Date,  the
Company  shall deposit  with the Trustee  or a  Paying Agent an  amount of money
sufficient to pay the Repurchase Price of the Notes that are to be repaid on the
Repurchase Date (Section 14.03).
 
    Failure by  the Company  to repurchase  the Notes  when required  under  the
preceding  paragraph  will result  in an  Event of  Default under  the Indenture
whether or not such repurchase is  permitted by the subordination provisions  of
the Indenture (Section 5.01).
 
    On  or before the 15th day after the  occurrence of a Change of Control, the
Company is obligated  to mail  to all  Holders of Notes  a notice  of the  event
constituting  and the date of  such Change of Control,  the Repurchase Date, the
date by which the repurchase right  must be exercised, the Repurchase Price  for
Notes  and the procedures that the Holder must follow to exercise this right. To
exercise the repurchase right, the Holder of  a Note must deliver, on or  before
the  10th day prior to the Repurchase Date, written notice to the Company (or an
agent designated by the  Company for such purpose)  of the Holder's exercise  of
such  right, together with the certificates evidencing the Notes with respect to
which the right is being exercised, duly endorsed for transfer (Section 14.02).
 
    A "Change of  Control" shall occur  when: (i) all  or substantially all  the
Company's  assets are  sold as  an entirety  to any  person or  related group of
persons other  than a  Permitted Holder;  (ii) there  shall be  consummated  any
consolidation  or merger  of the  Company other  than with  or into  a Permitted
Holder (A) in which the Company  is not the continuing or surviving  corporation
(other  than a  consolidation or  merger with a  wholly owned  subsidiary of the
Company in which all shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the
effectiveness thereof are changed into or exchanged for the same  consideration)
or  (B) pursuant to which the Common Stock is converted into cash, securities or
other property, in each case other than a consolidation or merger of the Company
in which the holders of the Common Stock immediately prior to the  consolidation
or  merger have, directly or indirectly, at least a majority of the common stock
of the continuing or surviving corporation immediately after such  consolidation
or  merger;  or (iii)  any person,  or  any persons  acting together  that would
constitute a "group" for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, together
with any affiliates  thereof, other than  one or more  Permitted Holders,  shall
beneficially  own (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) at least 50%
of the  total voting  power  of all  classes of  capital  stock of  the  Company
entitled  to  vote  generally  in  the election  of  directors  of  the Company.
Notwithstanding clause (iii) of  the foregoing definition,  a Change of  Control
shall  not  be deemed  to have  occurred solely  by virtue  of the  Company, any
subsidiary of the Company, any employee  stock purchase plan, stock option  plan
or  other stock incentive plan or program, retirement plan or automatic dividend
reinvestment plan  or any  substantially  similar plan  of  the Company  or  any
subsidiary of the Company or any person holding securities of the Company for or
pursuant  to the  terms of  any such  employee benefit  plan filing  or becoming
obligated to file  a report under  or in  response to Schedule  13D or  Schedule
14D-1  (or  any  successor schedule,  form  or  report) under  the  Exchange Act
disclosing beneficial ownership by  it of shares or  securities of the  Company,
whether  in excess of  50% or otherwise (Section  14.05). Permitted Holder means
(i) Ciba  and its  successors and  their affiliates,  (ii) any  Person  formerly
described  in  clause (i)  that was  spun  off or  otherwise distributed  to the
shareholders of its parent company and (iii) any corporation owned, directly  or
indirectly,  by  the  shareholders  of the  Company  in  substantially  the same
proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.
 
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change of Control as described above  shall
not  be deemed to  have occurred if (i)  the Current Market  Price of the Common
Stock is at least equal to 105% of  the conversion price of the Notes in  effect
immediately  preceding  the time  of such  Change  of Control,  or (ii)  all the
consideration to  the  holders of  Common  Stock (excluding  cash  payments  for
fractional  shares) in  the transaction  giving rise  to such  Change of Control
consists of shares of common stock  that are, or immediately upon issuance  will
be,  listed on a national  securities exchange or quoted  on the Nasdaq National
Market, and as a result of such transaction the Notes become convertible  solely
into  such common  stock, or  (iii) the consideration  to the  holders of Common
Stock in the transaction giving rise to such Change of Control consists of  cash
or  securities  that are,  or immediately  upon  issuance will  be, listed  on a
national securities  exchange  or  quoted  on the  Nasdaq  National  market,  or
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
a  combination of cash and such securities,  and the aggregate fair market value
of such consideration (which, in the case of such securities, shall be equal  to
the  average  of the  daily Closing  Prices  of such  securities during  the ten
consecutive trading  days  commencing  with  the  sixth  trading  day  following
consummation  of such transaction) is  at least 105% of  the conversion price of
the Notes in effect on the date  immediately preceding the closing date of  such
transaction (Section 14.05).
 
    The  Change  of  Control  purchase  feature  of  the  Notes  may  in certain
circumstances make  more difficult  or  discourage a  sale  or takeover  of  the
Company,  and, thus, the removal of  incumbent management. The Change of Control
repurchase feature  is a  result of  negotiations between  the Company  and  the
Underwriters  and is  not the result  of management's knowledge  of any specific
effort to accumulate shares of Common Stock of the Company or to obtain  control
of the Company by means of a merger, tender offer, solicitation or otherwise, or
part  of a  plan by  management to adopt  a series  of anti-takeover provisions.
Management has  no present  intention to  engage in  a transaction  involving  a
Change  of Control, although it is possible  that the Company would decide to do
so in the future.  The Credit Facility prohibits  the Company from  repurchasing
any  Notes prior to            , 1999, and will also provide that the occurrence
of certain change of control events with respect to the Company would constitute
a default thereunder. In the event a Change of Control occurs at a time when the
Company is  prohibited  from repurchasing  Notes,  the Company  could  seek  the
consent  of its lenders to the repurchase of Notes or could attempt to refinance
the borrowings that  contain such prohibition.  If the Company  does not  obtain
such a consent or repay such borrowings, the Company will remain prohibited from
repurchasing  Notes. In such case, the  Company's failure to repurchase tendered
Notes would constitute an Event to  Default under the Indenture which would,  in
turn, constitute a default under the Credit Facility. In such circumstances, the
subordination  provisions in the Indenture would  likely restrict payment to the
Holders of Notes. Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control,
the Indenture does not contain provisions  that permit the Holders of the  Notes
to  require that the  Company repurchase or redeem  the Notes in  the event of a
takeover, recapitalization or similar restructuring. The Indenture also does not
prohibit the Company from issuing Senior Indebtedness that may include change of
control payment  or  repurchase obligations  that  must be  satisfied  prior  to
repurchase  of  the  Notes.  Future  indebtedness  of  the  Company  may contain
prohibitions on the occurrence of certain events that would constitute a  Change
of  Control or  require such  indebtedness to  be repurchased  upon a  Change of
Control. Moreover, the  exercise by the  Holders of their  right to require  the
Company  to repurchase the Notes could  cause a default under such indebtedness,
even if the Change of  Control itself does not, due  to the financial effect  of
such  repurchase on the Company.  Finally, the Company's ability  to pay cash to
Holders of Notes following the occurrence of a Change of Control may be  limited
by  the Company's then  existing financial resources. There  can be no assurance
that sufficient funds  will be  available when  necessary to  make any  required
repurchases.  The provisions of  the Indenture requiring the  Company to make an
offer to repurchase the Notes upon a Change of Control may be waived or modified
with the consent of the Holders of  a majority in principal amount of the  Notes
(Section 9.02).
 
    In  the event a Change of Control occurs, the Indenture requires the Company
to comply with applicable tender offer  rules under the Exchange Act,  including
Rules  13e-4 and  14e-1, as then  in effect,  with respect to  repurchase of the
Notes.
 
LIMITATIONS ON CONSOLIDATIONS, MERGERS AND SALES OF ASSETS
 
    The  Company  may,  without  the  consent  of  the  Holders  of  the  Notes,
consolidate with or merge into any other entity or convey, transfer or lease all
or  substantially all its assets to any  person, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) the
entity formed by such consolidation or into  which the Company is merged or  the
person  that  acquires  by  conveyance  or transfer,  or  which  leases,  all or
substantially all its assets  is a corporation,  partnership or trust  organized
and  existing under  the laws  of the  United States,  any state  thereof or the
District of Columbia,  (ii) the successor  entity shall expressly  assume, by  a
supplemental   indenture  executed  and  delivered   to  the  Trustee,  in  form
satisfactory to the Trustee,  the due and punctual  payment of the principal  of
and  premium, if  any, and interest  on the  Notes and the  performance of every
covenant of the Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed
and has provided  for conversion  rights in  accordance with  the Indenture  and
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
(iii)  immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default,
and no event that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an  Event
of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing (Section 8.01).
 
    Apart  from  the  provisions  described  in  the  foregoing  paragraph,  the
Indenture does not  contain any limitation  on sales of  assets by the  Company.
There  is no  definitive test  concerning what  transactions would  constitute a
transfer of "substantially all" the Company's assets. Rather, the question  must
be  analyzed in the context of a  particular transaction taking into account all
relevant facts  and  circumstances, including  the  assets transferred  and  the
assets retained. Accordingly, enforcement of this covenant by the Trustee or the
Holders  of the  Notes could  be difficult in  the event  of a  dispute with the
Company concerning whether a transaction or series of transactions constitutes a
transfer of all or substantially all the Company's assets.
 
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
 
    The Company  and the  Trustee, without  the consent  of the  Holders of  the
Notes, may amend the Indenture for certain specified purposes, including to cure
any  ambiguities, correct any  inconsistencies or make  any other provision with
respect to matters arising  under the Indenture that  are not inconsistent  with
the  Indenture and do not  adversely affect the interests  of the Holders in any
material respect (Section  9.01). In addition,  modifications and amendments  of
the Indenture may be made by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the
Holders  of not  less than  a majority  in principal  amount of  the Outstanding
Notes; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that  no such modification  or amendment may,  without
the  consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Note affected thereby, (i) change
the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest on,  any
Note,  (ii) reduce the principal amount of,  or the premium, if any, or interest
on, any Note or  price payable upon repurchase  or redemption, (iii) change  the
place  or currency of payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or redemption
or purchase price or interest on, any  Note, (iv) impair the right to  institute
suit  for the  enforcement of any  payment on or  with respect to  any Note, (v)
adversely affect  the right  to  convert Notes,  (vi) modify  the  subordination
provisions  in a manner adverse to the Holders  of the Notes or (vii) reduce the
percentage of  aggregate principal  amount of  Outstanding Notes  necessary  for
waiver  or compliance with certain provisions of  the Indenture or for waiver of
certain defaults (Section 9.02).
 
    The Holders of a majority in  aggregate principal amount of the  Outstanding
Notes  may waive any past default under  the Indenture, except that a default in
the payment of  principal or  premium, if  any, or interest  on the  Notes or  a
failure  to  comply with  certain covenants  of  the Company  may not  be waived
without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Note (Section 5.13).
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
    The following will be Events of Default under the Indenture: (i) failure  to
pay  any interest on  any Notes when due  and continuance of  such default for a
period  of  30  days,  whether  or  not  such  payment  is  prohibited  by   the
subordination  provisions of the Indenture; (ii)  failure to pay principal of or
premium, if any, on any Note when due, whether or not such payment is prohibited
by the  subordination provisions  of the  Indenture; (iii)  failure to  pay  the
redemption  price on any redemption date and  failure to repurchase the Notes as
provided in the Indenture, whether or not any such payment is prohibited by  the
subordination  provisions of  the Indenture; (iv)  failure to  perform any other
covenant of the Company  in the Indenture, which  failure continues for 60  days
after  written  notice as  provided in  the Indenture;  (v) default,  beyond any
applicable grace  period,  if any,  in  the payment  of  amounts due  under  any
mortgage,  indenture or instrument under which there is outstanding, or by which
there is secured or evidenced, any indebtedness of the Company in excess of  $25
million for borrowed money or representing any Senior Indebtedness at its stated
maturity or default on any such indebtedness that results in the acceleration of
such  indebtedness prior  to its  express maturity;  and (vi)  certain events of
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company (Section 5.01).
 
    Subject to the  provisions of the  Indenture relating to  the duties of  the
Trustee,  in case an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Trustee
will be under no obligation  to exercise any of its  rights or powers under  the
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders, unless such Holders
shall  have offered to the Trustee  reasonable indemnity (Section 6.03). Subject
to such provisions  for the  indemnification of the  Trustee, the  Holders of  a
majority in principal amount of the
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
Outstanding  Notes will have the  right to direct the  time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or  exercising
any trust or power conferred on the Trustee (Section 5.12).
 
    If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, other than an event of
bankruptcy,  insolvency or reorganization of the  Company, either the Trustee or
the Holders of at  least 25% in  principal amount of  the Outstanding Notes  may
accelerate  the maturity  of all Notes.  If an  Event of Default  shall occur by
reason of an event of bankruptcy,  insolvency or reorganization of the  Company,
the  Notes shall immediately become due and  payable without any act on the part
of the Trustee or any Holder. After any such acceleration but before a judgement
or decree  based  on  acceleration,  the Holders  of  a  majority  in  aggregate
principal  amount of Outstanding Notes may, under certain circumstances, rescind
or annul acceleration  if all Events  of Default, other  than the nonpayment  of
acceleration  principal, have been cured or  waived as provided in the Indenture
(Section 5.02). For information as to waiver of defaults, see "Modification  and
Waiver".
 
    No  Holder of any Note will have  any right to institute any proceeding with
respect to the Indenture or for any remedy thereunder, unless such Holder  shall
have  previously given to  the Trustee written  notice of a  continuing Event of
Default and  unless the  Holders of  at least  25% in  principal amount  of  the
Outstanding  Notes  shall  have  made written  request,  and  offered reasonable
indemnity, to  the Trustee  to institute  such proceeding  as trustee,  and  the
Trustee  shall not  have received  from the Holders  of a  majority in principal
amount of the Outstanding Notes a  direction inconsistent with such request  and
shall  have failed to  institute such proceeding within  60 days (Section 5.07).
However, such limitations do  not apply to  a suit instituted by  a Holder of  a
Note  for the  enforcement or payment  of the  principal or premium,  if any, or
interest on such Note  on or after  the respective due  dates expressed in  such
Note or of the rights to convert such Note or of the rights to convert such Note
in accordance with the Indenture (Section 5.08).
 
    The  Company will be required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement
as to its performance of certain of  its obligations under the Indenture and  as
to any default in such performance (Section 10.04).
 
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE
    The Company may terminate all obligations under the Indenture at any time by
delivering  all outstanding Notes to the Trustee for cancellation and paying any
other sums payable under the Indenture.
 
    The Indenture also provides that the Company may elect:
 
        (a) to  defease and  be discharged  from any  and all  obligations  with
    respect to the Notes and that the provisions of the Indenture will no longer
    be  in  effect with  respect to  the  Notes, except  for the  obligations to
    register the transfer  or exchange  of the  Notes, to  replace temporary  or
    mutilated,  destroyed, lost or stolen Notes, to maintain an office or agency
    in  respect  of  the  Notes  and   to  hold  funds  for  payment  in   trust
    ("Defeasance"); or
 
        (b)  to be released from its obligations with respect to the Notes under
    certain restrictive covenants of the  Indenture, and that violation of  such
    covenants  will not  constitute an  "Event of  Default" under  the Indenture
    ("Covenant Defeasance").
 
    Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will have no effect on the  Company's
obligations under Article 12 of the Indenture, which relate to the conversion of
the  Notes,  at the  option  of the  Holder thereof,  into  Common Stock  of the
Company. Such Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance  will take effect only upon  the
deposit  with  the Trustee,  in trust  for  such purpose,  of money  and/or U.S.
Government Obligations that, through  the payment of  principal and interest  in
accordance  with their terms, will provide money  in an amount sufficient to pay
the principal of and  premium, if any,  and interest on the  Notes on the  dates
such  payments  are due,  and certain  other  conditions are  satisfied (Section
15.04).
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
                    is  to  be  the Trustee  under  the Indenture  and  has been
appointed by the Company as Registrar and Paying Agent with regard to the Notes.
 
    The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes  will
have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for  exercising  any  remedy  available  to  the  Trustee,  subject  to  certain
exceptions. The Indenture provides  that if an Event  of Default occurs (and  is
not  cured), the Trustee will be required, in  the exercise of its power, to use
the degree of care of a prudent man  in the conduct of his own affairs.  Subject
to  such provisions, the Trustee will be  under no obligation to exercise any of
its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any Holder of  Notes,
unless  such Holder  shall have  offered to  the Trustee  security and indemnity
satisfactory to it against any loss, liability  or expense and then only to  the
extent required by the terms of the Indenture.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
    The  Indenture  provides that  it and  the  Notes will  be governed  by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of  the State of New York without  giving
effect  to applicable  principles of  conflicts of  law to  the extent  that the
application of the law of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.
 
                                       69
<PAGE>
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
    The Company's authorized  capital stock  consists of  100,000,000 shares  of
Common  Stock  and  20,000,000 shares  of  preferred  stock, no  par  value (the
"Preferred Stock"). As of April 19, 1996, 36,221,580 shares of Common Stock were
issued and outstanding  and held by  approximately 2,237 record  holders. As  of
such date, no shares of Preferred Stock were outstanding.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
    Holders  of Common  Stock are entitled  to one  vote for each  share held of
record on each matter  submitted to a  vote of stockholders and  to vote on  all
matters  on which a vote of stockholders  is taken, except as otherwise provided
by statute. Subject to the rights of holders of outstanding shares of  Preferred
Stock, if any, the holders of Common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if
any,  as may  be declared from  time to  time by the  Board of  Directors in its
discretion from  funds legally  available therefore,  and, upon  liquidation  or
dissolution  of the  Company, are entitled  to receive all  assets available for
distribution to shareholders. Holders  of Common Stock other  than Ciba have  no
preemptive  rights or  other rights  to subscribe  for additional  shares and no
conversion rights. Pursuant  to the  Governance Agreement, Ciba  is entitled  to
maintain  its percentage  ownership of  the voting power  of the  Company in the
event that  the  Company  issues  additional  equity  securities  under  certain
circumstances.  The Common Stock is not subject  to redemption or to any sinking
fund provisions, and all outstanding shares  of Common Stock are fully paid  and
nonassessable.  Subject to the  preferential rights of the  holders of shares of
any series of Preferred Stock, as the  same may be designated and issued in  the
future,  holders of  Common Stock are  entitled to  their pro rata  share of the
assets of the Company upon liquidation.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
    Preferred Stock  may be  issued from  time to  time in  one or  more  series
without  further stockholder approval. The Board  of Directors may designate the
number of  shares to  be issued  in  such series  and the  rights,  preferences,
privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed on the holders of such shares.
If  issued, such shares of Preferred  Stock could have dividends and liquidation
preferences and may otherwise affect the rights of holders of Common Stock.
 
SECTION 203 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
 
    The Company is a Delaware corporation and  is subject to Section 203 of  the
General  Corporation  Law of  the  State of  Delaware  (the "GCL").  In general,
Section 203 of  the GCL  prevents a Delaware  corporation from  engaging in  any
"business  combination"  (as  defined below)  with  an  "interested stockholder"
(defined as a person who, together with affiliates and associates,  beneficially
owns  (or within the preceding three years, did beneficially own) 15% or more of
a corporation's outstanding voting stock) for a period of three years  following
the  time that such  person became an interested  stockholder, unless (i) before
such person became  an interested  stockholder, the  board of  directors of  the
corporation  approved either the transaction in which the interested stockholder
became  an  interested  stockholder  or  the  business  combination  (ii)   upon
consummation  of  the transaction  that resulted  in the  interested stockholder
becoming an interested  stockholder, the interested  stockholder owned at  least
85%  of  the  voting  stock  of the  corporation  outstanding  at  the  time the
transaction commenced (excluding shares owned  by persons who are both  officers
and  directors  of the  corporation and  shares held  by certain  employee stock
plans); or (iii) on or after such  time the business combination is approved  by
the  board  and authorized  at an  annual  meeting of  stockholders, and  not by
written consent, by the affirmative vote of  the holders of at least 66 2/3%  of
the  outstanding  voting stock  of the  corporation  which is  not owned  by the
interested stockholder.  A "business  combination" generally  includes  mergers,
stock  or  asset or  sales involving  10% or  more  of the  market value  of the
corporation's assets or stock, certain stock transactions and other transactions
resulting in a financial benefit to  the interested stockholders or an  increase
in their proportionate share of any class or series of a corporation.
 
                                       70
<PAGE>
LIMITATIONS ON DIRECTORS' LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION
 
    The  Company's Certificate of Incorporation  provides for the elimination of
personal liability of the directors of the Company to the full extent  permitted
by  the GCL as it currently exists or may hereafter be amended The GCL permits a
corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation that a director shall
not be personally  liable to the  corporation or its  stockholders for  monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for
any breach of the directors' duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders,
(ii)  for  acts or  omissions  not in  good  faith or  that  involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of  law, (iii) in respect of certain  unlawful
dividend  payments  or  stock  redemptions  or  repurchases  and  (iv)  for  any
transaction from which the  director derived an  improper personal benefit.  The
effect  of the  provision of  the Company's  Certificate of  Incorporation is to
eliminate the rights of the Company and its stockholders (through  stockholders'
derivative suits on behalf of the Company) to recover monetary damages against a
director  for breach  of the  fiduciary duty  of care  as a  director (including
breaches resulting from negligent or  grossly negligent behavior) except in  the
situations  described in clauses (i) through  (iv) above. The provision does not
limit or  eliminate  the  rights of  the  Company  or any  stockholder  to  seek
non-monetary relief such as an injunction or rescission in the event of a breach
of  a  directors'  duty  of  care. In  addition,  the  Company's  Certificate of
Incorporation provides  that  the  Company shall  indemnify  its  directors  and
officers  to the full extent  permitted by the GCL;  PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
Company shall indemnify  any such person  seeking indemnification in  connection
with  a  proceeding  initiated  by  such  person  only  if  such  proceeding was
authorized by  the  Board  of  Directors of  the  Company.  The  Certificate  of
Incorporation  further provides that  the Company may,  to the extent authorized
from time to time by the  Board of Directors, provide rights to  indemnification
similar  to those provided to  the directors and officers  of the Company to the
employees and agents of  the Company who  are not directors  or officers of  the
Company.
 
    The  Strategic Alliance Agreement provides that the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws will continue to contain the provisions with respect to
indemnification of  directors and  officers in  effect  as of  the date  of  the
Strategic  Alliance Agreement, which provisions will not be amended, repealed or
otherwise modified, for a period of six years following the closing contemplated
by the Strategic  Alliance Agreement  (the "Ciba  Closing") in  any manner  that
would  adversely affect the rights  of individuals who at  any time prior to the
Ciba Closing were directors or officers of the Company in respect of actions  or
omissions   occurring  at  or  prior  to  the  Ciba  Closing,  except  for  such
modifications as  are required  by applicable  law. In  addition, the  Strategic
Alliance  Agreement generally requires the Company to indemnify its officers and
directors as of the date of the Strategic Alliance Agreement against all  losses
(including  reasonable fees  and expenses of  counsel) arising out  of any claim
based in whole or in part on the fact that such person was a director or officer
of the Company at or prior to the Ciba Closing.
 
    Pursuant to  the Hexcel  Corporation Incentive  Stock Plan  (the  "Incentive
Stock  Plan"), no member of the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors or such other committee as may be designated by the Board of Directors
from time to time  to administer the Incentive  Stock Plan (as defined  therein)
shall  be liable  for any action  or determination  made in good  faith, and the
members of such  committee shall be  entitled to indemnification  in the  manner
provided in the Company's Certificate of Incorporation.
 
GOVERNANCE AGREEMENT
 
    In  connection with the  Ciba Acquisition, Hexcel and  Ciba entered into the
Governance Agreement, which  contains various standstill,  governance and  other
provisions  that (i) impose certain limitations  on Ciba's ability to acquire or
dispose of the Company's voting securities, (ii) provide certain protections  to
the  Company's stockholders  in connection  with any  future acquisition  of the
Company and  (iii)  provide Ciba  with  certain preemptive  rights  to  purchase
additional  voting securities  of the  Company in  the event  the Company issues
additional voting  securities  for  cash.  See "Risk  Factors  --  Influence  of
Significant Stockholder."
 
                                       71
<PAGE>
    In  addition, the Company's Bylaws, which  include certain provisions of the
Governance Agreement, provide that, for so long as Ciba beneficially owns 33% or
more of the total voting power of the Company, the Board of Directors shall  not
authorize,  approve  or  ratify certain  mergers,  consolidations, acquisitions,
business combinations,  sales  or  transfers  of  assets,  issuances  of  equity
securities  or capital expenditures without the  prior approval of a majority of
the directors of the Company designated by Ciba.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
    The transfer  agent  and  registrar  for the  Common  Stock  is  ChaseMellon
Shareholder Services.
 
                                       72
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    Under  the terms and subject to  the conditions in an Underwriting Agreement
dated                    , 1996 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the Underwriters
named below  (the  "Underwriters") have  severally  but not  jointly  agreed  to
purchase from the Company the following respective principal amounts of Notes:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 PRINCIPAL
                                                                                 AMOUNT OF
UNDERWRITER                                                                        NOTES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------
<S>                                                                           <C>
CS First Boston Corporation.................................................  $
Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.....................................................
                                                                              ----------------
    Total...................................................................  $    100,000,000
                                                                              ----------------
                                                                              ----------------
</TABLE>
 
    The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters
are  subject to certain  conditions precedent and that  the Underwriters will be
obligated to  purchase all  the Notes  offered hereby  (other than  those  Notes
covered  by the over-allotment option described below) if any are purchased. The
Underwriting  Agreement  provides  that,  in  the  event  of  a  default  by  an
Underwriter,   in  certain   circumstances  the  purchase   commitments  of  the
non-defaulting Underwriter may be increased or the Underwriting Agreement may be
terminated.
 
    The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option, expiring on the close
of business on the 30th day after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to
$15,000,000 principal amount  of additional  Notes (the "Option  Notes") at  the
initial  public offering price less  the underwriting discounts and commissions,
all as  set forth  on the  cover page  of this  Prospectus. Such  option may  be
exercised  only to cover over-allotments in the sale of the Notes. To the extent
such option is  exercised, each  Underwriter will become  obligated, subject  to
certain  conditions,  to  purchase  approximately  the  same  percentage  of the
principal amount of Option Notes as it was obligated to purchase pursuant to the
Underwriting Agreement.
 
    The Company  has been  advised  by the  Underwriters that  the  Underwriters
propose  to offer the Notes to the public initially at the public offering price
set forth on the cover  page of this Prospectus and  to certain dealers at  such
price  less a  concession of      % of  the principal  amount per  Note, and the
Underwriters and such dealers  may allow a discount  of     % of such  principal
amount  per Note  on sales  to certain other  dealers. After  the initial public
offering, the public offering price and  concession and discount to dealers  may
be changed by the Underwriters.
 
    Application has been made to list the Notes on the NYSE.
 
    The  Company has agreed that, subject to certain limited exceptions, it will
not offer, sell, contract to sell,  announce their intention to sell, pledge  or
otherwise  dispose of, directly  or indirectly, or file  with the Securities and
Exchange Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act,  relating
to  any  additional shares  of Common  Stock or  securities convertible  into or
exchangeable or exercisable  for any shares  of Common Stock  without the  prior
written  consent of CS First  Boston Corporation for a  period of 180 days after
the date of this Prospectus.
 
    The Company  has  agreed  to  indemnify  the  Underwriters  against  certain
liabilities,  including certain civil  liabilities under the  Securities Act, or
contribute to certain payments which the Underwriters may be required to make in
respect thereof.
 
    CS First Boston Corporation was engaged  by Ciba to advise it in  connection
with  the Ciba Acquisition and was  paid customary fees in connection therewith.
In addition, Credit Suisse, an affiliate of CS First Boston Corporation, in  its
capacity  as a lender and as  an agent, is party to  the Old Credit Facility and
the Credit Facility.
 
    Bear, Stearns  &  Co. Inc.  was  engaged by  the  Company to  advise  it  in
connection  with the Ciba Acquisition and  was paid customary fees in connection
therewith.
 
                                       73
<PAGE>
    Credit Suisse  expects to  receive approximately  $     million of  the  net
proceeds  of the  Offering, which  represents their  proportionate share  of the
repayment by the Company  of a portion of  the borrowings outstanding under  the
Credit Facility with the proceeds of this Offering.
 
                          NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS
 
RESALE RESTRICTIONS
 
    The  distribution of  the Notes in  Canada is  being made only  on a private
placement basis exempt from the requirement that the Company prepare and file  a
prospectus  with the  securities regulatory  authorities in  each province where
trades of Notes  are effected. Accordingly,  any resale of  the Notes in  Canada
must  be  made in  accordance with  applicable securities  laws which  will vary
depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made
in accordance with available statutory exemptions or pursuant to a discretionary
exemption granted by  the applicable Canadian  securities regulatory  authority.
Purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of the Notes.
 
REPRESENTATIONS OF PURCHASERS
 
    Each  purchaser of Notes in Canada who receives a purchase confirmation will
be deemed to represent  to the Company  and the dealer  from whom such  purchase
confirmation  is received that  (i) such purchaser  is entitled under applicable
provincial securities  laws to  purchase such  Notes without  the benefit  of  a
prospectus  qualified under  such securities laws,  (ii) where  required by law,
that such purchaser is purchasing as principal and not as agent, and (iii)  such
purchaser has reviewed the text above under "Resale Restrictions".
 
RIGHTS OF ACTION AND ENFORCEMENT
 
    The  securities  being offered  are those  of a  foreign issuer  and Ontario
purchasers will  not  receive the  contractual  right of  action  prescribed  by
section  32 of the Regulation  under the SECURITIES ACT  (Ontario). As a result,
Ontario purchasers must rely on other remedies that may be available,  including
common  law rights of action for damages or rescission or rights of action under
the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.
 
    All of the  issuer's directors  and officers as  well as  the experts  named
herein may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible
for  Ontario  purchasers to  effect service  of process  within Canada  upon the
issuer or such persons. All or a substantial portion of the assets of the issuer
and such persons may be located outside of  Canada and, as a result, it may  not
be  possible to satisfy a judgment against  the issuer or such persons in Canada
or to enforce  a judgment  obtained in Canadian  courts against  such issuer  or
persons outside of Canada.
 
NOTICE TO BRITISH COLUMBIA RESIDENTS
 
    A  purchaser of Notes to whom  the SECURITIES ACT (British Columbia) applies
is advised that  such purchaser is  required to file  with the British  Columbia
Securities Commission a report within ten days of the sale of any Notes acquired
by  such purchaser pursuant  to this offering.  Such report must  be in the form
attached to British Columbia Securities  Commission Blanket Order BOR #95/17,  a
copy  of which may  be obtained from the  Company. Only one  such report must be
filed in  respect  of  Notes acquired  on  the  same date  and  under  the  same
prospectus exemption.
 
                   CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
    The  following is a discussion of  certain anticipated United States federal
income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the  Notes
(or  Common Stock of the  Company acquired upon conversion of  a Note) as of the
date hereof. It deals only with Notes and Common Stock held as capital assets by
initial holders, and does not deal with special situations including those  that
may  apply  to a  particular  holder such  as  exempt organizations,  dealers in
securities,  financial  institutions,  insurance  companies  and  holders  whose
"functional  currency" is not  the United States dollar.  The federal income tax
considerations set forth below are based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as  amended  (the  "Code")  and  regulations,  rulings  and  judicial  decisions
thereunder as of the date
 
                                       74
<PAGE>
hereof,  and such  authorities may  be repealed,  revoked or  modified (possibly
retroactively) so as to result in federal income tax consequences different from
those discussed below. As used herein,  the term "United States Holder" means  a
beneficial  owner  of a  Note  (or Common  Stock  of the  Company  acquired upon
conversion of a Note) that is for United States federal income tax purposes  (i)
a  citizen  or resident  of the  United  States, (ii)  a corporation  created or
organized in  or  under the  laws  of the  United  States or  of  any  political
subdivision  thereof, or  (iii) a person  or entity otherwise  subject to United
States federal income taxation on its worldwide income. As used herein, the term
"Non-United States Holder" means a beneficial holder of a Note (or Common  Stock
of  the Company acquired upon conversion of a  Note) that is not a United States
Holder. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS  REGARDING
THE  PARTICULAR TAX  CONSEQUENCES OF  PURCHASING, HOLDING  AND DISPOSING  OF THE
NOTES OR COMMON  STOCK OF THE  COMPANY, INCLUDING THE  TAX CONSEQUENCES  ARISING
UNDER ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN LAWS.
 
UNITED STATES HOLDERS
 
    A  United States Holder will  not recognize gain or  loss upon conversion of
the Notes solely into Common Stock of  the Company (except with respect to  cash
received  in lieu of fractional shares). The United States Holder's basis in the
Common Stock  received on  conversion will  be  the same  as the  United  States
Holder's  adjusted tax basis in  the Notes at the  time of conversion (including
any gain recognized with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares),
and the holding period for the Common Stock received on conversion will  include
the holding period of the Notes that were converted.
 
    A United States Holder will recognize gain or loss upon the sale, redemption
or  other taxable disposition of the Notes  in an amount equal to the difference
between the United States Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Note and the amount
received therefor  (other  than  amounts  attributable  to  accrued  and  unpaid
interest  on the Notes which will be  treated as interest for federal income tax
purposes). Such gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if
the Notes were held for more than one year.
 
    The conversion price  of the Notes  is subject to  adjustment under  certain
circumstances. Under Section 305 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations issued
thereunder,  adjustments  or  the  failure  to  make  such  adjustments  to  the
Conversion Price of the Notes may result in a taxable constructive  distribution
to  the United States Holders of Notes, resulting in ordinary income (subject to
a possible dividends received deduction in the case of corporate holders) to the
extent of the Company's current and/or accumulated earnings and profits if,  and
to  the extent that, certain adjustments in  the Conversion Price that may occur
in limited  circumstances  (particularly  an adjustment  to  reflect  a  taxable
dividend  to holders of Common Stock  of the Company) increase the proportionate
interest in the earnings and profits or assets of the Company of a United States
Holder of a Note convertible into fully diluted Common Stock, whether or not the
United States  Holders  ever converts  the  Notes. Generally,  a  United  States
Holder's  tax  basis in  a Note  will be  increased  by the  amount of  any such
constructive dividend.
 
NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
 
    Under present  United States  federal income  and estate  tax law,  assuming
certain  certification requirements are met (which include identification of the
beneficial owner of a Note), and subject to the discussion of backup withholding
below:
 
    (a) Payments of  interest on  a Note to  any Non-United  States Holder  will
generally  not be  subject to United  States federal income  or withholding tax,
provided that (1) the  holder is not (i)  a direct or indirect  owner of 10%  or
more  of the  total voting  power of  all voting  stock of  the Company,  (ii) a
controlled foreign corporation related to the Company directly or indirectly  by
stock  ownership, (iii) a  bank receiving interest pursuant  to a loan agreement
entered into in the ordinary course of  its trade or business or (iv) a  foreign
tax-exempt  organization  or  a  foreign private  foundation  for  United States
federal income  tax purposes,  (2) such  interest payments  are not  effectively
connected with the conduct
 
                                       75
<PAGE>
of  a trade or business within the United States by the Non-United States Holder
("Effectively Connected")  and (3)  the  holder of  the Notes  certifies,  under
penalties  of  perjury, as  to  its status  as  a Non-United  States  Holder and
provides its name and address.
 
    (b) A  Non-United States  Holder will  generally not  be subject  to  United
States  federal income  tax on  gain recognized on  a sale,  redemption or other
disposition of a Note or Common Stock (including the receipt of cash in lieu  of
fractional  shares upon conversion of  a Note into Common  Stock) unless (1) the
gain is Effectively Connected, (2) in the case of a Non-United States Holder who
is a  nonresident alien  individual and  holds the  Note or  Common Stock  as  a
capital  asset, such holder is present in the United States for 183 days or more
in the taxable year  of disposition and certain  other requirements are met,  or
(3)  (i) the Company was,  is or becomes a  "United States real property holding
corporation" for  United States  federal income  tax purposes,  (ii) either  the
holder  beneficially owns 5% or  more of the Common Stock  of the Company or the
Common Stock is no longer regularly  traded on an established securities  market
and  (iii) certain other requirements are met.  There can be no assurance either
(1) that the Company has not been and will not be a United States real  property
holding  corporation or (2) that the Common  Stock will continue to be regularly
traded on an established securities market.
 
    (c) If  interest on  a Note  is  exempt from  withholding of  United  States
federal  income tax under the rules described in clause (a) above, the Note will
not generally be included in the  estate of a deceased Non-United States  Holder
for United States federal estate tax purposes.
 
    (d)  A  Non-United States  Holder will  generally not  be subject  to United
States federal income tax on the conversion  of a Note solely into Common  Stock
of  the Company  (except as described  in clause  (b) above with  respect to the
receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares by certain holders upon  conversion
of a Note).
 
    (e)  Dividends paid on  Common Stock of  the Company to  a Non-United States
Holder will generally be subject to withholding of United States federal  income
tax  at the  rate of 30%  (or a lower  rate prescribed by  an applicable treaty)
unless such dividends are Effectively Connected.
 
    (f) Common Stock  of the Company  owned by  an individual who  is neither  a
citizen  nor  a  resident  (as  defined for  United  States  federal  estate tax
purposes) of the United States at the  date of death will generally be  included
in  such  individual's estate  for United  States  federal estate  tax purposes,
unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise.
 
    Income (including interest on  a Note and dividends  on Common Stock of  the
Company  as the  case may  be) and  capital gain  on the  sale or  other taxable
disposition of a Note  or Common Stock that  is Effectively Connected  generally
will  not be subject to withholding, but may be subject to United States federal
income tax at rates  applicable to United States  citizens, resident aliens  and
United  States corporations (and, in the  case of corporate holders, such income
and gain may also be  subject to the United States  branch profits tax which  is
generally  imposed on a foreign corporation  on the repatriation from the United
States of earnings and profits that are Effectively Connected).
 
    An applicable  income  tax  treaty  may,  however,  change  these  rules.  A
Non-United  States Holder may  be required to  satisfy certain certification and
other requirements in  order to claim  treaty benefits or  otherwise obtain  any
reduction  of or exemption from United  States federal income or withholding tax
under the foregoing rules.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING
 
    The Company  or  its  designated  paying agent  (the  "payor")  will,  where
required,  report to holders of  Notes or Common Stock  and the Internal Revenue
Service the amount of  any interest paid  on the Notes  (or dividends paid  with
respect  to the Common Stock or other reportable payments) in each calendar year
and the amount  of tax,  if any,  withheld with  respect to  such payments.  The
information  may also be made available to the tax authorities of the country in
which a Non-United States Holder resides  under the provisions of an  applicable
tax treaty.
 
                                       76
<PAGE>
    Under current United States federal income tax law, a 31% backup withholding
tax  is  required  with respect  to  certain interest,  dividends  and principal
payments made  to, and  to the  proceeds of  sales before  maturity by,  certain
United   States  Holders  if  such  persons   fail  to  furnish  their  taxpayer
identification numbers and other information.
 
    Interest payments  on a  Note to  a  Non-United States  Holder will  not  be
subject  to  information reporting  requirements and  backup withholding  tax if
either the requisite certification, as described above, has been received or  an
exemption  has otherwise been established, provided that the payor does not have
actual knowledge  that  the  holder  is  a United  States  Holder  or  that  the
conditions of any other exemption are not in fact satisfied.
 
    Payment  by or through a United States office of a broker of the proceeds on
disposition of a Note or Common Stock will be subject to both backup withholding
tax and information reporting requirements, unless the Non-United States  Holder
certifies  under penalties of  perjury as to  its status as  a Non-United States
Holder or otherwise establishes an exemption. Information reporting requirements
(but not backup withholding tax) will also apply to a payment of the proceeds on
disposition of a Note or Common Stock by or through a foreign office of a United
States broker,  or foreign  brokers  with certain  relationships to  the  United
States,  unless  the broker  has documentary  evidence in  its records  that the
holder is a Non-United States Holder and certain other conditions are met or the
holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
 
    Information reporting requirements and backup withholding tax will generally
not apply to  dividends paid  on Common  Stock of  the Company  to a  Non-United
States  Holder at  an address  outside the United  States, unless  the payor has
knowledge that  the  holder is  a  United States  Holder.  Dividends paid  to  a
Non-United  States Holder at an address within  the United States may be subject
to backup withholding  tax if the  Non-United States Holder  fails to  establish
that  it  is  entitled  to  an  exemption  or  to  provide  a  correct  taxpayer
identification number and other information to the payor.
 
    Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under  the
backup  withholding  rules will  be refunded  or  credited against  the holder's
United  States  federal  income  tax  liability,  provided  that  the   required
information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
 
    These backup withholding and information reporting rules are under review by
the  United States Treasury, and  their application to the  Notes and the Common
Stock could be changed in the future.
 
    THE PRECEDING  DISCUSSION  OF  CERTAIN  UNITED  STATES  FEDERAL  INCOME  TAX
CONSEQUENCES IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. ACCORDINGLY,
EACH  INVESTOR  SHOULD  CONSULT  ITS  OWN  TAX  ADVISER  AS  TO  PARTICULAR  TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO  IT OF  PURCHASING, HOLDING,  AND DISPOSING  OF THE  CONVERTIBLE
NOTES  AND  THE COMMON  STOCK OF  THE COMPANY,  INCLUDING THE  APPLICABILITY AND
EFFECT OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN  TAX LAWS, AND OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGES  IN
APPLICABLE LAWS.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The  legality of the securities  offered hereby will be  passed upon for the
Company by  Skadden,  Arps, Slate,  Meagher  & Flom,  New  York, New  York.  The
Underwriters  have been  represented by Cravath,  Swaine & Moore,  New York, New
York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    Hexcel Corporation's consolidated  financial statements as  of December  31,
1995  and 1994 and for each of the  three years in the period ended December 31,
1995 included in  this Prospectus have  been audited by  Deloitte & Touche  LLP,
independent  auditors, as stated in their  report appearing herein (which report
contains  explanatory   paragraphs   regarding  the   confirmation   of   Hexcel
Corporation's
 
                                       77
<PAGE>
plan  of reorganization, the acquisition of  the Ciba Composites Business, and a
change in accounting for  income taxes), and are  included in reliance upon  the
report  of such  firm given  upon their authority  as experts  in accounting and
auditing.
 
    The combined  financial statements  of the  Ciba Composites  Business as  of
December  31, 1995 and 1994 and for each  of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1995  included in this  Prospectus have been  audited by Coopers  &
Lybrand  L.L.P., independent  accountants, as  stated in  their report appearing
herein (which report  contains an  explanatory paragraph regarding  a change  in
accounting   for   postretirement   benefits  other   than   pensions   and  for
postemployment benefits), and have been so included in reliance upon the  report
of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
    The  financial statements of the Hercules Composites Business as of December
31, 1995 and 1994 and for each of  the three years in the period ended  December
31,  1995 included  in this  Prospectus have been  audited by  Coopers & Lybrand
L.L.P., independent  accountants, as  stated in  their report  appearing  herein
(which report contains an explanatory paragraph regarding a change in accounting
for  postretirement and postemployment  benefits other than  pensions), and have
been so included  in reliance  upon the  report of  such firm  given upon  their
authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       78
<PAGE>
                               GLOSSARY OF TERMS
 
ADHESIVES  -- A thermoset resin (e.g., epoxy, phenolic  or BMI) in the form of a
thin film  or paste,  cured under  heat and  pressure to  bond a  wide range  of
composite, metallic and honeycomb surfaces.
 
ARAMID  -- A high strength, high stiffness fiber derived from polyamide (Nylon).
Kevlar-Registered Trademark-  and Nomex-Registered  Trademark- are  examples  of
aramids.
 
CARBON  FIBER -- Fiber produced  by heat treating precursor  fibers, such as PAN
(Polyacrylonitrile), rayon and pitch, to drive off non-carbon atoms. The term is
often used interchangeably  with graphite; however,  carbon fibers and  graphite
fibers differ. The basic differences lie in the temperatures at which the fibers
are made and heat treated, and in the resultant carbon content.
 
COMPOSITE  MATERIALS -- Product  made from combining two  or more materials such
that the resultant product has exceptional structural properties not present  in
either of the constituent materials.
 
COWLS  OR COWLING -- The  outside protective shell of  a jet engine usually made
out of metal. Cowls mainly provides the engine with protection from the elements
and structural support.
 
FAIRINGS  --  A   secondary  structure   of  an   airplane  providing   enhanced
aerodynamics.  Typically, fairings are found where the wing meets the body or at
various locations on the leading or trailing edge of the wing.
 
FIBER PLACEMENT -- Fabrication  of complex shaped  components using computer  or
numerically   controlled  machines  to   place  impregnated  fiber   tows  in  a
predetermined pattern.
 
FIBERGLASS --  An  individual  filament  made by  drawing  molten  glass.  As  a
composite  materials reinforcement,  it is  a major  material used  to reinforce
plastic.
 
FILAMENT WINDING -- A process to manufacture composite materials components such
as mirole and  rocket casings  and cylinders. Fiber  filaments are  dipped in  a
resin  matrix  and then  wound in  a predetermined  pattern over  a form  of the
desired component that is mounted on a mandrel.
 
FINISHED  PARTS  --  Completed  components  that  typically  contain   prepregs,
honeycomb,  adhesive and  assembled hardware. These  parts are  ready for direct
attachment to a structure (e.g., aircraft) or to sub-assemblies.
 
HONEYCOMB -- A unique, lightweight, cellular structure made from either metallic
sheet material or non-metallic materials (e.g., resin-impregnated paper or woven
fabric) and formed  into hexagonal  nestled cells,  similar in  appearance to  a
cross-sectional slice of a beehive.
 
INLET  DUCTS -- Intake passages or tubes  that confine and conduct air. They are
usually located at the upstream end of an airplane engine on the engine  cowling
and  aid in  both propulsion and  engine cooling.  Inlet ducts are  also used to
improve aerodynamics of fighter planes and for this purpose are usually  located
on the fuselage near the wings.
 
INTERIORS  -- Finished  internal aircraft  components, such  as overhead stowage
compartments, lavatories, sidewalls, floor panels and ceilings.
 
KEVLAR-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- -- An  organic fiber from Dupont  which is part  of
the  aramid family of compounds.  Woven Kevlar-Registered Trademark- fabrics are
used in both ballistic and composite materials applications.
 
MODULUS -- The physical  measurement of stiffness in  a material defined as  the
ratio  of stress to strain  in the range of  elastic deformation. A high modulus
indicates a stiff material.
 
NACELLE (PRONOUNCED NA-SELL)  -- The  protective shell  of a  jet engine  housed
within  the cowling  usually made out  of honeycomb.  Provides noise absorption,
insulation and additional structural support.
 
NOMEX-REGISTERED  TRADEMARK-   --   DuPont's  registered   trademark   for   its
high-temperature-resistant aramid papers, pressboard, staple fibers and filament
yarns.  Type  412  Nomex-Registered  Trademark-  aramid  paper  is  used  in the
manufacture of honeycomb due to its  unique combination of physical and  thermal
properties.
 
                                       79
<PAGE>
PAN  (POLYACRYLONITRILE) -- A material  used as a base  or precursor material in
the manufacture of certain carbon fibers.
 
PRECURSOR -- For carbon or graphite, the  PAN, rayon or pitch fibers from  which
carbon or graphite fibers are derived.
 
PREPREGS  (PRE-IMPREGNATED)  -- A  composite material  made from  combining high
performance reinforcement fibers  or fabrics with  a thermoset or  thermoplastic
resin  matrix. The prepreg has exceptional  structural properties not present in
either of the constituent materials.
 
PRIMARY STRUCTURE -- A critical load  bearing structure on an aircraft. If  this
structure is severely damaged, the aircraft cannot fly.
 
PULTRUSION -- A continuous process of combining fiber and resin directly to form
a cured composite part.
 
QUALIFIED  AND QUALIFICATIONS  -- The official  test and  evaluation protocol in
aerospace and military applications by which materials, such as composites,  are
approved  for production  supply. The  qualification of  a product  requires the
creation of  a database  which  records the  performance  of a  product  against
certain  specifications.  This  database is  then  used by  engineers  to design
components and to ensure that future production adheres to specifications.  This
is an expensive and time consuming process.
 
RADOMES  --  The  housing which  protects  the  aircraft radar  system  from the
elements while allowing transmission  of radar signals. Often  the radome is  in
the  nose of an aircraft but can be  found at other locations on the aircraft as
well.
 
REINFORCEMENTS -- A strong  material incorporated into a  matrix to improve  its
mechanical  properties. Reinforcements are usually long continuous fibers, which
may be woven. Fiberglass, aramid and carbon fibers are typical reinforcements.
 
REINFORCEMENT FABRICS  -- Woven  fiberglass, carbon  or aramid  fabrics used  in
later production of prepregs and honeycomb.
 
RESIN  MATRIX -- In reinforced fiber composites, a polymeric substrate material,
such as epoxy  or phenolic  resin, is used  to bind  together the  reinforcement
material.
 
SANDWICH  PANELS -- A stiff and  lightweight structure consisting of thin sheets
such as aluminum or  cured prepregs bonded  to and separated  by a low  density,
rigid  core material (e.g., foam or honeycomb).  The face sheets of the sandwich
panel provide smooth flat surfaces.
 
SECONDARY STRUCTURE -- A non-critical structure on an aircraft. If damaged,  the
aircraft  can still fly. Fairings, access doors and some flight control surfaces
are examples of secondary structures.
 
SEISMIC RETROFIT  -- The  reinforcement  of an  existing  structure to  make  it
earthquake  proof. Until recently, the reinforcement was done with metal but now
can also be done with composite materials.
 
SPECIAL PROCESS  --  An  intermediate step  between  producing  basic  composite
materials  (e.g., honeycomb, prepregs) and  producing a semi-finished product by
forming, shaping, machining or bonding standard core or composite materials.
 
STRUCTURES  --  Finished  components  for  aircraft,  truck  or  other  vehicles
constructed from composite materials. For aircraft, these may be for Primary and
Secondary  Structures or Interiors. Truck  applications include chassis fairings
and floors.
 
TOW PREGS -- An untwisted bundle of continuous filaments impregnated with resin.
Can be used in filament winding of tubes, cylinders and other shapes.
 
                                       80
<PAGE>
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  THE COMPANY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               PAGE
<S>                                                                                                          <C>
Independent Auditors' Report...............................................................................        F-2
Consolidated Financial Statements:
  Consolidated Statements of Operations -- Three years ended December 31, 1995.............................        F-3
  Consolidated Balance Sheets -- December 31, 1995 and 1994................................................        F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Three years ended December 31, 1995.............................        F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) -- Three years ended December 31, 1995.........        F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements -- December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993...........................        F-7
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) -- The quarters ended March 31, 1996 and April
 2, 1995...................................................................................................       F-40
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) -- March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995..................       F-41
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) -- The quarters ended March 31, 1996 and April
 2, 1995...................................................................................................       F-42
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)...........................................       F-43
 
                                             THE CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS
 
Report of Independent Accountants..........................................................................       F-49
Combined Balance Sheets -- December 31, 1995 and 1994......................................................       F-50
Combined Statements of Operations -- For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993..................       F-51
Combined Statement of Owner's Equity -- For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993...............       F-52
Combined Statements of Cash Flows -- For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993..................       F-53
Notes to Combined Financial Statements -- December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.................................       F-54
 
                                           THE HERCULES COMPOSITES BUSINESS
 
Report of Independent Accountants..........................................................................       F-67
Statement of Operations -- For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993............................       F-68
Balance Sheet -- December 31, 1995 and 1994................................................................       F-69
Statement of Cash Flows -- For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993............................       F-70
Statement of Changes in Division Equity -- For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993............       F-71
Notes to Financial Statements -- December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993..........................................       F-72
Statement of Operations (unaudited) -- For the three months ended March 31, 1996...........................       F-78
Balance Sheet (unaudited) -- March 31, 1996................................................................       F-79
Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited) -- For the three months ended March 31, 1996...........................       F-80
Statement of Changes in Division Equity (unaudited) -- For the Three Months Ended March 31, 1996...........       F-81
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements (unaudited)........................................................       F-82
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors and
 Shareholders of Hexcel Corporation:
 
    We  have  audited the  accompanying  consolidated balance  sheets  of Hexcel
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December  31, 1995 and 1994, and the  related
consolidated  statements of operations, shareholders'  equity (deficit) and cash
flows for each of the three years  in the period ended December 31, 1995.  These
financial   statements  are  the  responsibility  of  Hexcel's  management.  Our
responsibility is to express an opinion  on these financial statements based  on
our audits.
 
    We  conducted  our audits  in  accordance with  generally  accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to  obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also  includes
assessing  the  accounting principles  used  and significant  estimates  made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In  our opinion, such  consolidated financial statements  present fairly, in
all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of  Hexcel  Corporation  and
subsidiaries  at December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for  each of the three years  in the period ended  December
31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
    As  discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, on January
12, 1995, the  U.S. Bankruptcy  Court entered an  order dated  January 10,  1995
confirming Hexcel's plan of reorganization which became effective on February 9,
1995.  The terms of the plan of  reorganization are more fully described in Note
4.
 
    As discussed in Notes 2 and  3 to the consolidated financial statements,  on
February 29, 1996, Hexcel acquired the Ciba Composites Business.
 
    As  discussed in  Note 1  to the  consolidated financial  statements, Hexcel
changed its method of accounting for  income taxes effective January 1, 1993  to
conform with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109.
 
                                          /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Oakland, California
March 1, 1996
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1995          1994          1993
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<S>                                                                       <C>           <C>           <C>
Net sales...............................................................  $    350,238  $    313,795  $    310,635
Cost of sales...........................................................      (283,148)     (265,367)     (263,090)
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
Gross Margin............................................................        67,090        48,428        47,545
Marketing, general and administrative expenses..........................       (49,324)      (45,785)      (52,510)
Other income (expenses), net............................................           791         4,861       (12,780)
Restructuring expenses..................................................       --            --            (46,600)
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
Operating income (loss).................................................        18,557         7,504       (64,345)
Interest expense........................................................        (8,682)      (11,846)       (8,862)
Bankruptcy reorganization expenses......................................        (3,361)      (20,152)         (641)
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes............         6,514       (24,494)      (73,848)
Provision for income taxes..............................................        (3,313)       (3,586)       (6,024)
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
    Income (loss) from continuing operations............................         3,201       (28,080)      (79,872)
Discontinued operations:
  Income (loss) from operations, net of (provision) for income taxes of
   ($441) in 1994 and ($177) in 1993....................................       --                989        (6,584)
  Losses during phase-out period, net of benefit (provision) for income
   taxes of ($136) in 1994 and $383 in 1993.............................          (468)       (2,879)       (4,039)
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
    Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change.........         2,733       (29,970)      (90,495)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes..............       --            --              4,500
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
    Net income (loss)...................................................  $      2,733  $    (29,970) $    (85,995)
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
Net income (loss) per share and equivalent share:
Primary and fully diluted:
  Continued operations..................................................  $       0.20  $      (3.84) $     (10.89)
  Discontinued operations...............................................         (0.03)        (0.26)        (1.45)
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes............       --            --               0.61
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
    Net income (loss)...................................................  $       0.17  $      (4.10) $     (11.73)
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
Weighted average shares and equivalent shares...........................        15,742         7,310         7,330
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                          ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    DECEMBER 31,  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                        1995          1994
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
                                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
                                                                                         PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                                                 <C>           <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and equivalents............................................................   $    3,829    $      931
  Receivables from asset sales....................................................       --            29,340
  Accounts receivable.............................................................       65,888        64,136
  Inventories.....................................................................       55,475        47,364
  Prepaid expenses................................................................        2,863         3,581
  Net assets of discontinued operations...........................................       --             3,000
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
    Total current assets..........................................................      128,055       148,352
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
Property, plant and equipment.....................................................      203,580       186,328
Less accumulated depreciation.....................................................      117,625       103,215
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
  Net property, plant and equipment...............................................       85,955        83,113
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
Investments and other assets......................................................       16,592        11,992
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
    Total assets..................................................................   $  230,602    $  243,457
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
 
                                LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
  Notes payable and current maturities of long-term liabilities...................   $    1,802    $   12,720
  Accounts payable................................................................       22,904        18,163
  Accrued liabilities.............................................................       38,892        32,234
  Accrued restructuring liabilities...............................................        2,887        11,165
  Liabilities subject to disposition in bankruptcy reorganization.................       --            97,025
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
    Total current liabilities.....................................................       66,485       171,307
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
Long-term notes payable and capital lease obligations.............................       88,342        16,004
Deferred liabilities..............................................................       27,401        21,279
Liabilities subject to disposition in bankruptcy reorganization...................       --            40,752
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
Shareholders' equity (deficit):
  Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 40,000 shares, shares issued and
   outstanding of 18,091 in 1995 and 7,301 in 1994................................          181            73
  Additional paid-in capital......................................................      111,259        62,626
  Accumulated deficit.............................................................      (69,981)      (72,714)
  Minimum pension obligation adjustment...........................................         (535)         (137)
  Cumulative currency translation adjustment......................................        7,450         4,267
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
    Total shareholders' equity (deficit)..........................................       48,374        (5,885)
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity (deficit)..........................   $  230,602    $  243,457
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
                                                                                    ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1995        1994        1993
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Income (loss) from continuing operations..................................  $    3,201  $  (28,080) $  (79,872)
  Reconciliation to net cash provided (used) by continuing operations:
    Depreciation and amortization...........................................      11,623      14,230      14,880
    Deferred provision (benefit) for income taxes...........................        (329)      3,609       4,805
    Other income relating to sale of the Chandler, Arizona manufacturing
     facility and related assets and technology.............................        (600)    (15,900)     --
    Provision for DIC-Hexcel Limited........................................      --           8,000      --
    Restructuring expenses..................................................      --          --          46,600
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
      (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable............................      (1,752)     (1,168)      9,157
      (Increase) decrease in inventories....................................      (8,111)     (6,228)      3,336
      (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses...............................         718        (454)     (1,775)
      Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.......     (10,090)     30,966       3,959
      Changes in other non-current assets and long-term liabilities.........       2,346      (3,876)      9,736
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
    Net cash provided (used) by continuing operations.......................      (2,994)      1,099      10,826
    Net cash provided (used) by discontinued operations.....................         486      (2,206)        624
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
    Net cash provided (used) by operating activities........................      (2,508)     (1,107)     11,450
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Capital expenditures......................................................     (12,144)     (8,362)     (6,264)
  Proceeds from equipment sold..............................................          17         229         764
  Deferred business acquisition costs, incurred in connection with the
   acquisition of the Ciba Composites Business..............................      (4,150)     --          --
  Proceeds from sale of discontinued resins business........................       4,648       6,125      --
  Proceeds from sale of the Chandler, Arizona manufacturing facility and
   certain related assets and technology....................................      27,294       2,294      --
  Proceeds from sale of stitchbonded fabrics business to joint venture......      --          --           4,500
  Investments in joint ventures.............................................      --          --          (1,750)
  Proceeds from sale of discontinued fine chemicals business................      --          --             500
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
    Net cash provided (used) by investing activities........................      15,665         286      (2,250)
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt..................................       4,317         171      --
  Payments of long-term debt................................................      (5,402)    (11,413)     (4,801)
  Proceeds of short-term debt, net..........................................      20,923       1,687       6,847
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock....................................      48,741      --             270
  Payments of allowed claims pursuant to the Reorganization Plan............     (78,144)     --          --
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
    Net cash provided (used) by financing activities........................      (9,565)     (9,555)      2,316
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents.....................        (694)        (41)       (535)
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents.............................       2,898     (10,417)     10,981
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year...................................         931      11,348         367
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
Cash and equivalents at end of year.........................................  $    3,829  $      931  $   11,348
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              COMMON STOCK                       RETAINED      MINIMUM    CUMULATIVE       TOTAL
                                        ------------------------  ADDITIONAL     EARNINGS      PENSION     CURRENCY    SHAREHOLDERS'
                                        OUTSTANDING                 PAID-IN    (ACCUMULATED  OBLIGATION   TRANSLATION     EQUITY
                                          SHARES       AMOUNT       CAPITAL      DEFICIT)    ADJUSTMENT   ADJUSTMENT     (DEFICIT)
                                        -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                     <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1993..............       7,296    $      73   $    62,292   $   43,251       --        $     533    $   106,149
  Net loss............................      --           --           --           (85,995)      --           --            (85,995)
  Activity under stock plans..........          14       --               270       --           --           --                270
  Pension obligation adjustment.......      --           --           --            --        $    (646)      --               (646)
  Currency translation adjustment.....      --           --           --            --           --              975            975
                                        -----------       -----   -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993............       7,310           73        62,562      (42,744)        (646)       1,508         20,753
  Net loss............................      --           --           --           (29,970)      --           --            (29,970)
  Activity under stock plans..........          (9)      --                64       --           --           --                 64
  Pension obligation adjustment.......      --           --           --            --              509       --                509
  Currency translation adjustment.....      --           --           --            --           --            2,759          2,759
                                        -----------       -----   -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994............       7,301           73        62,626      (72,714)        (137)       4,267         (5,885)
  Net income..........................      --           --           --             2,733       --           --              2,733
  Sale of new common stock under
   standby purchase commitment and
   subscription rights offering.......      10,800          108        48,631       --           --           --             48,739
  Activity under stock plans..........         (10)      --                 2       --           --           --                  2
  Pension obligation adjustment.......      --           --           --            --             (398)      --               (398)
  Currency translation adjustment.....      --           --           --            --           --            3,183          3,183
                                        -----------       -----   -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995............      18,091    $     181   $   111,259   $  (69,981)   $    (535)   $   7,450    $    48,374
                                        -----------       -----   -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
                                        -----------       -----   -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 1 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
 
    The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Hexcel
Corporation and subsidiaries ("Hexcel" or  the "Company"), after elimination  of
intercompany transactions and accounts. Hexcel is an international developer and
manufacturer  of  lightweight, high-performance  composite materials,  parts and
structures for use in  the commercial aerospace,  space and defense,  recreation
and general industrial markets. The Company serves international markets through
manufacturing  and marketing facilities located in the United States and Europe,
as well as sales offices  in Asia, Australia and  South America. The Company  is
also  a  partner in  three joint  ventures that  manufacture and  sell composite
materials in the U.S. and Asia.
 
    As discussed in  Notes 2  and 3,  Hexcel acquired  the worldwide  composites
division  of Ciba-Geigy  Limited, a  Swiss corporation  ("Ciba"), and Ciba-Geigy
Corporation,  a  New  York  corporation  ("CGC"),  including  Ciba's  and  CGC's
composite  materials,  parts  and structures  businesses  (the  "Ciba Composites
Business"), on  February 29,  1996.  The Company  acquired the  Ciba  Composites
Business in exchange for: (a) approximately 18,022 newly issued shares of Hexcel
common  stock; (b)  $25,000 in  cash; and  (c) undertakings  to deliver  to Ciba
and/or one  or  more  of  its  subsidiaries,  following  completion  of  certain
post-closing adjustment procedures, various senior subordinated notes and senior
demand  notes.  In  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  the  Ciba Composites
Business, the Company obtained a new three-year revolving credit facility of  up
to  $175,000  (the  "Senior Secured  Credit  Facility")  to: (a)  fund  the cash
component of the  purchase price; (b)  refinance outstanding indebtedness  under
certain  U.S. and  European credit facilities;  and (c) provide  for the ongoing
working capital and other financing requirements  of the Company on a  worldwide
basis (see Note 10). The acquisition of the Ciba Composites Business and related
financing activities occurred subsequent to December 31, 1995, and have not been
reflected  in the historical consolidated  financial statements and accompanying
notes presented herein.
 
    As discussed in Note 4, Hexcel Corporation (a Delaware corporation) operated
as a debtor-in-possession  under the  provisions of  Chapter 11  of the  federal
bankruptcy  laws from December  6, 1993 until  February 9, 1995,  when the First
Amended Plan of  Reorganization (the "Reorganization  Plan") proposed by  Hexcel
and  the Official Committee of Equity  Security Holders (the "Equity Committee")
became effective.  Consequently, the  consolidated  financial statements  as  of
December  31, 1994, and for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1995, have  been prepared  in accordance  with Statement  of Position  90-7,
"Financial  Reporting by Entities in  Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code,"
issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("SOP 90-7").
 
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
 
    The Company invests excess cash  in investments with original maturities  of
less  than three months. The investments consist of Eurodollar time deposits and
are stated at cost, which approximates market value. The Company considers  such
investments to be cash equivalents for purposes of the statements of cash flows.
 
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
    Accounts receivable were net of reserves for doubtful accounts of $2,603 and
$1,249 as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories  are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined
on a first-in, first-out basis.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 1 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Repairs and  maintenance
are   charged  to  expense   as  incurred;  replacements   and  betterments  are
capitalized. Interest  expense  associated  with  major  long-term  construction
projects  is capitalized. No interest  was capitalized in 1995  or 1994; $227 of
interest was capitalized in 1993.
 
    The Company depreciates property, plant and equipment over estimated  useful
lives.  Accelerated and straight-line  methods are used  for financial statement
purposes. The estimated useful lives range from 10 to 40 years for buildings and
improvements and 3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment.
 
CURRENCY TRANSLATION
 
    The assets and liabilities of European subsidiaries are translated into U.S.
dollars at year-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated  at
average   exchange  rates  during  the  year.  Cumulative  currency  translation
adjustments are included in shareholders' equity. Realized gains and losses from
currency exchange transactions were not  material to the Company's  consolidated
results of operations in 1995, 1994 or 1993.
 
RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY COSTS
 
    Research  and technology costs of $7,618 in  1995, $8,201 in 1994 and $7,971
in 1993 were expensed as incurred,  and are included in "marketing, general  and
administrative expenses" in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
ACCOUNTING CHANGE
 
    Effective  January  1,  1993,  the Company  adopted  Statement  of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109,  "Accounting for Income  Taxes" ("SFAS 109")  (see
Note  16). The cumulative effect of this accounting change has been reflected in
the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 1993.
 
EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
    Net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the
weighted average number of common  shares and dilutive common share  equivalents
(stock  options)  outstanding during  each year.  The  computation on  the fully
diluted basis, which considers the exercise of stock options and the  conversion
of  the convertible subordinated debentures, was  antidilutive in 1995, 1994 and
1993.
 
RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
    Certain prior  year amounts  in the  consolidated financial  statements  and
notes have been reclassified to conform to the 1995 presentation.
 
ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
 
    The   consolidated  financial  statements  and  accompanying  notes  reflect
numerous estimates  and assumptions  made  by the  management of  Hexcel.  These
estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,
the  disclosures  with respect  to contingent  assets  and liabilities,  and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Although management believes that the
estimates  and  assumptions  used   in  preparing  the  consolidated   financial
statements  and accompanying  notes are reasonable  in light of  known facts and
circumstances, actual results could differ from the estimates used.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 1 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
    Hexcel is required to adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards  No.
121,  "Accounting for  the Impairment  of Long-Lived  Assets and  for Long-Lived
Assets to be  Disposed Of" ("SFAS  121"), in  1996. SFAS 121  requires that  the
recoverability  of long-lived  assets to be  held or  used, including intangible
assets, be assessed  when events  or circumstances  indicate that  the value  of
those  assets may be  impaired. That assessment, determined  by reference to the
estimated undiscounted future cash flows resulting  from the use of the  assets,
will  be based on  each group of  assets within each  of the Company's strategic
business units. Management has not yet  determined the impact, if any, that  the
adoption  of SFAS 121 will have on the Company's consolidated financial position
or results of operations.
 
    Hexcel is required to adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards  No.
123,  "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS  123"), in 1996. SFAS 123
establishes accounting  and disclosure  requirements using  a fair  value  based
method  of accounting  for stock based  employee compensation  plans. Under SFAS
123, the Company may either adopt the new fair value based accounting method  or
continue  the intrinsic value based method  and provide pro forma disclosures of
net earnings  and earnings  per  share as  if the  fair  value method  had  been
applied.  The Company  plans to adopt  only the disclosure  requirements of SFAS
123. Consequently, the adoption of SFAS 123 will have no effect on the Company's
consolidated net earnings.
 
NOTE 2 -- ACQUISITION OF THE CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS
    Hexcel acquired  the  Ciba Composites  Business  of Ciba-Geigy  Limited  and
Ciba-Geigy  Corporation on  February 29, 1996.  The Ciba  Composites Business is
engaged in  the manufacture  and  marketing of  composite materials,  parts  and
structures  for aerospace,  recreation and  general industrial  markets. Product
lines include fabrics, prepregs, adhesives, honeycomb core, sandwich panels  and
fabricated  components, as  well as structures  and interiors  primarily for the
commercial and military aerospace markets.
 
    The acquisition of the Ciba Composites Business was consummated pursuant  to
a  Strategic Alliance Agreement dated as of  September 29, 1995 among Ciba, CGC,
and Hexcel, as amended (the "Strategic Alliance Agreement"). Under the Strategic
Alliance Agreement, the Company acquired the assets (including the capital stock
of certain of Ciba's non-U.S. subsidiaries)  and assumed the liabilities of  the
Ciba  Composites Business other than certain  excluded assets and liabilities in
exchange for:  (a) approximately  18,022 newly  issued shares  of Hexcel  common
stock;  (b) $25,000 in cash; and (c)  undertakings to deliver to Ciba and/or one
or more  of  its  subsidiaries, following  completion  of  certain  post-closing
adjustment  procedures contemplated by the  Strategic Alliance Agreement, senior
subordinated notes in  an aggregate principal  amount of approximately  $43,000,
subject  to certain  adjustments (the  "Senior Subordinated  Notes"), and senior
demand notes in  a principal  amount equal  to the cash  on hand  at certain  of
Ciba's  non-U.S.  subsidiaries  (the  "Senior  Demand  Notes").  (The  pro forma
aggregate principal amount of the Senior  Subordinated Notes as of December  31,
1995  was $27,400. See Note  3.) In connection with  the acquisition of the Ciba
Composites Business, the Company obtained the Senior Secured Credit Facility to:
(a) fund the  cash component of  the purchase price;  (b) refinance  outstanding
indebtedness  under certain U.S. and European credit facilities; and (c) provide
for the ongoing working capital and other financing requirements of the  Company
on  a worldwide  basis (see  Note 10).  The acquisition  of the  Ciba Composites
Business and related  financing activities occurred  subsequent to December  31,
1995,  and  have not  been reflected  in  the historical  consolidated financial
statements and accompanying notes presented herein.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 3 -- ACQUISITION OF THE CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS: PRO FORMA FINANCIAL
          INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
    The  following  unaudited  pro  forma  financial  information  combines  the
condensed  balance sheets  and statements of  operations of Hexcel  and the Ciba
Composites  Business  after  giving  effect  to  the  acquisition  of  the  Ciba
Composites  Business by the Company. The  unaudited pro forma condensed combined
balance sheet as of December 31, 1995  gives effect to the acquisition as if  it
had  occurred on December  31, 1995. The unaudited  pro forma condensed combined
statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 1995 gives effect to the
acquisition as if it had occurred on January 1, 1995. The pro forma  adjustments
account for the acquisition as a purchase of the Ciba Composites Business by the
Company,  and  are based  upon  the assumptions  set  forth in  the accompanying
disclosures.
 
    The following unaudited pro forma  financial information is not  necessarily
indicative  of  the  financial position  or  operating results  that  would have
occurred had the acquisition of the Ciba Composites Business been consummated on
the dates  indicated,  nor is  it  necessarily indicative  of  future  operating
results or financial position. Management expects that significant costs will be
incurred  in connection  with combining  the operations  of Hexcel  and the Ciba
Composites  Business,  including  costs  of  eliminating  excess   manufacturing
capacity  and redundant administrative and  research and development activities,
as well as the various costs of consolidating the information systems and  other
business  activities of  the two  companies. Some  of the  costs associated with
combining the two  businesses, including  certain costs  to eliminate  redundant
administrative  and research and development activities, will be incurred during
1996. The anticipated  resulting benefits  are expected to  be realized  shortly
thereafter.  However,  other costs,  including many  of  the costs  to eliminate
excess manufacturing capacity, are expected to  be incurred over a period of  as
much  as  three years.  This  is attributable,  in  part, to  aerospace industry
requirements to "qualify"  specific equipment and  manufacturing facilities  for
the  manufacture of  certain products.  Based on  the Company's  experience with
previous plant consolidations, these  qualification requirements necessitate  an
approach  to the consolidation of manufacturing facilities that will require two
to three  years  to complete.  Accordingly,  the costs  and  anticipated  future
benefits of eliminating excess manufacturing capacity are long-term in nature.
 
    The Board of Directors of Hexcel has not yet approved the plan for combining
the operations of Hexcel and the Ciba Composites Business, but is expected to do
so  in the second quarter of 1996.  Subject to the approval of the consolidation
plan by the  Board of Directors,  management currently estimates  that the  cash
costs  of combining the two businesses could  range from $35,000 to $45,000, net
of expected proceeds from asset sales which  are expected to be received at  the
end  of the consolidation  process. (This range includes  the estimated net cash
cost to  close  the  Anaheim  manufacturing  facility  of  the  Ciba  Composites
Business. The decision to close this facility was announced in the first quarter
of 1996.) Management notes, however, that the actual cash costs of combining the
two  businesses  could vary  from current  estimates  due to  the fact  that the
nature, timing and extent  of certain consolidation  activities is dependent  on
numerous factors.
 
    Management  expects  to  record one  or  more  charges to  earnings  for the
estimated costs  of certain  business  consolidation activities.  The  estimated
costs  of specific consolidation  activities will be  accrued in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles as those activities are determined  and
announced.  Although the aggregate  amount of the  resulting charges to earnings
has not  yet been  determined, management  currently estimates  that the  amount
could  range from  $40,000 to $50,000,  including noncash  charges. However, the
actual aggregate amount of such charges could vary from current estimates.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 3 -- ACQUISITION OF THE CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS: PRO FORMA FINANCIAL
          INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
    The cash expenditures necessary to combine the Ciba Composites Business with
Hexcel are  expected to  occur over  a period  of as  much as  three years.  The
nature,  timing and extent of these expenditures will be determined, in part, by
management's evaluation of the probable economic and competitive benefits to  be
gained  from specific consolidation activities.  Management anticipates that the
benefits to be realized from planned consolidation activities will be sufficient
to justify  the level  of associated  costs. However,  some of  the  anticipated
benefits  are  long-term in  nature, and  there  can be  no assurance  that such
benefits will actually be realized. Accordingly, no effect has been given to the
costs of combining the two businesses, or to the operating, financial and  other
benefits  that may  be realized  from the  combination, in  the accompanying pro
forma financial information.
 
              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
                            AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    HISTORICAL                 PRO FORMA
                                                             ------------------------  -------------------------
                                                                             CIBA      
                                                               HEXCEL     COMPOSITES   ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and equivalents.....................................  $     3,829  $     8,412  $     (8,412)(a) $  3,829
  Accounts receivable......................................       65,888       58,799        (5,805)(b)  118,882
  Inventories..............................................       55,475       60,337        (1,545)(c)  114,267
  Prepaid expenses and other assets........................        2,863        9,957        (6,019)(d)    6,801
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
    Total current assets...................................      128,055      137,505       (21,781)     243,779
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
Net property, plant and equipment..........................       85,955      156,364       (45,487)(e)  196,832
Excess of purchase price over net assets acquired..........      --           --             44,300 (f)   44,300
Investments and other assets...............................       16,592       46,425       (47,069)(g)   15,948
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
    Total assets...........................................  $   230,602  $   340,294  $    (70,037) $   500,859
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Notes payable and current maturities of long-term
   liabilities.............................................  $     1,802  $    10,469  $     (9,052)(h) $  3,219
  Accounts payable.........................................       22,904       29,611        (1,208)(i)   51,307
  Accrued liabilities......................................       41,779       27,574       --            69,353
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
    Total current liabilities..............................       66,485       67,654       (10,260)     123,879
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
Senior subordinated notes, payable to Ciba-Geigy...........      --           --             26,300 (j)   26,300
Other long-term liabilities, less current maturities.......      115,743       28,723        18,898 (k)  163,364
Minority interest..........................................      --             6,968        (6,968)(l)     --
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock & additional paid-in capital................      111,440      --            140,600 (m)  252,040
  Accumulated deficit......................................      (69,981)     --             (1,658)(n)  (71,639)
  Minimum pension obligation adjustment....................         (535)     --            --              (535)
  Cumulative currency translation adjustment...............        7,450      --            --             7,450
  Invested capital.........................................      --           236,949      (236,949)(o)     --
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
    Total shareholders' equity.............................       48,374      236,949       (98,007)     187,316
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.............  $   230,602  $   340,294  $    (70,037) $   500,859
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 3 -- ACQUISITION OF THE CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS: PRO FORMA FINANCIAL
          INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                        THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    HISTORICAL
                                                             ------------------------          PRO FORMA
                                                                             CIBA      -------------------------
                                                               HEXCEL     COMPOSITES   ADJUSTMENTS    COMBINED
                                                             -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
Net sales.................................................  $   350,238  $    331,073   $  (3,207)(p) $  678,104
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Cost of sales.............................................     (283,148)     (273,997)      6,860(q)    (550,285)
                                                            -----------  ------------  -----------  ------------
Gross margin..............................................       67,090        57,076       3,653        127,819
Marketing, general and administrative expenses............      (49,324)      (57,966)     --           (107,290)
Amortization and write-downs of intangible assets.........      --             (6,930)      4,385(r)      (2,545)
Other income (expenses), net..............................          791        (1,102)     --               (311)
Restructuring expenses....................................      --             (2,362)     --             (2,362)
                                                            -----------  ------------  -----------  ------------
Operating income (loss)...................................       18,557       (11,284)      8,038         15,311
Interest expense..........................................       (8,682)         (668)       (869)(s)    (10,219)
Bankruptcy reorganization expenses........................       (3,361)(t)      --        --             (3,361)(t)
Minority interest.........................................      --             (1,506)      1,506(u)      --
                                                            -----------  ------------  -----------  ------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income
 taxes....................................................        6,514       (13,458)      8,675          1,731
Provision for income taxes................................       (3,313)       (5,085)         --(v)      (8,398)
                                                            -----------  ------------  -----------  ------------
  Income (loss) from continuing operations................        3,201       (18,543)      8,675         (6,667)
Loss from discontinued operations.........................         (468)      --           --               (468)
                                                            -----------  ------------  -----------  ------------
  Net income (loss).......................................  $     2,733  $    (18,543)  $   8,675   $     (7,135)
                                                            -----------  ------------  -----------  ------------
                                                            -----------  ------------  -----------  ------------
Net income (loss) per share and equivalent share:
Primary and fully diluted:
  Continuing operations...................................  $      0.20                             $      (0.20)
  Discontinued operations.................................        (0.03)                                   (0.01)
                                                            -----------                             ------------
    Net income (loss).....................................  $      0.17                             $      (0.21)
                                                            -----------                             ------------
                                                            -----------                             ------------
Weighted average shares and equivalent shares.............       15,742                                   33,764
                                                            -----------                             ------------
                                                            -----------                             ------------
</TABLE>
 
The 1995 net loss for the Ciba Composites Business of $18,543 includes a  fourth
quarter  net loss of $9,537. The  fourth quarter net loss includes approximately
$6,340 of  costs attributable  to write-downs  of certain  fixed and  intangible
assets,   severance  expenses,  reserves   for  uncollectible  receivables,  and
acquisition-related expenses.
 
PURCHASE PRICE SUMMARY AND RELATED ALLOCATION
 
    The purchase  price paid  by  Hexcel for  the  Ciba Composites  Business  is
comprised of the following components:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                <C>
18,022 shares of Hexcel common stock, valued at $8.00 per share
 (1).............................................................  $ 144,200
Senior Subordinated Notes payable to Ciba in 2003 (2)............     26,300
Cash paid to Ciba (3)............................................     25,000
Estimated fees and expenses in connection with the acquisition
 (3).............................................................      7,600
                                                                   ---------
    Total purchase price.........................................  $ 203,100
                                                                   ---------
                                                                   ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 3 -- ACQUISITION OF THE CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS: PRO FORMA FINANCIAL
          INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
    The  allocation of the  total purchase price  to the net  assets of the Ciba
Composites Business is based  upon the estimated fair  values of the net  assets
acquired, and is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                <C>
Cash and equivalents (4).........................................     --
Accounts receivable (5)..........................................  $  53,285
Inventories (6)..................................................     58,792
Prepaid expenses (5).............................................      3,938
Net property, plant & equipment (7)..............................    110,877
Other assets, net (8)............................................      1,000
Investments and other assets (5).................................      4,214
Current liabilities (9)..........................................    (57,685)
Other long-term liabilities, less current maturities (9).........    (19,221)
Minority interest (10)...........................................     --
Shareholders' equity (11)........................................      3,600
Excess of purchase price over net assets acquired (12)...........     44,300
                                                                   ---------
    Total purchase price.........................................  $ 203,100
                                                                   ---------
                                                                   ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) The  aggregate value of the Hexcel common stock issued to Ciba is determined
    by multiplying the discounted market price per share by the number of shares
    issued. The market price per share is determined by reference to the  prices
    at  which Hexcel  common stock  was trading on  the New  York Stock Exchange
    during a reasonable period before and after December 12, 1995, the date upon
    which Hexcel and Ciba  amended the aggregate amount  of consideration to  be
    paid  by Hexcel for the  Ciba Composites Business by  agreeing to reduce the
    initial aggregate  principal  amount of  the  senior subordinated  notes  by
    $5,000.  The market price  is then discounted to  reflect the illiquidity of
    the Hexcel common stock issued to Ciba caused by the size of Ciba's holding,
    the contractual restrictions on  transferring such shares and,  accordingly,
    limitations  on the price Ciba could  realize, the contractual limitation on
    the price per share Ciba could realize in certain types of transactions, the
    fact that such shares are "restricted securities" within the meaning of  the
    Securities Act of 1933, and various other factors.
 
    For purposes of valuing the Hexcel common stock issued to Ciba, a discounted
    market  price of  $8.00 per  share is used.  The discounted  market price is
    based on  a market  price of  $10.00 per  share during  a reasonable  period
    before  and  after  December 12,  1995,  and  a discount  rate  of  20%. The
    discounted market price  of the  shares issued  is used  in determining  the
    total  purchase price because  the discounted market  price of Hexcel common
    stock is more reliably measurable than the fair value of the assets acquired
    and the liabilities assumed.
 
(2) Based on the formula included in  the Strategic Alliance Agreement, the  pro
    forma  aggregate principal  amount of  the Senior  Subordinated Notes  as of
    December 31, 1995  is approximately  $27,400. (Such amount  is estimated  as
    follows:  $43,029  (a) increased  by  $9,000 for  the  price of  acquiring a
    minority interest in an Austrian subsidiary of the Ciba Composites Business;
    (b) increased by $6,126 for the decline in the adjusted net working  capital
    of  Hexcel from July 2, 1995 to  December 31, 1995; (c) decreased by $25,378
    for the decline in the adjusted  net working capital of the Ciba  Composites
    Business from July 2, 1995 to December 31, 1995; and (d) decreased by $5,377
    for  certain net assets of the Ciba Composites Business retained by Ciba and
    other adjustments.) However,  the actual aggregate  principal amount of  the
    Senior  Subordinated Notes to be issued may  be higher or lower, because the
    adjustments required  under  the  Strategic Alliance  Agreement  to  reflect
    changes  in working capital and certain other  items as of February 29, 1996
    have not yet been determined.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 3 -- ACQUISITION OF THE CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS: PRO FORMA FINANCIAL
          INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
    The fair value of the Senior Subordinated  Notes as of December 31, 1995  is
    estimated  to be $26,300, which is $1,100 lower than the pro forma aggregate
    principal amount. The $1,100 discount  reflects the absence of certain  call
    protection  provisions from the  terms of the  Senior Subordinated Notes and
    the difference between the stated  interest rate on the Senior  Subordinated
    Notes  and  the estimated  market rate  for  debt obligations  of comparable
    quality and maturity (see Note 10).
 
(3) The cash paid to Ciba and certain estimated fees and expenses in  connection
    with the acquisition of the Ciba Composites Business have been financed with
    the proceeds from the Senior Secured Credit Facility (see Note 10).
 
(4) Under  the  terms of  the Strategic  Alliance Agreement,  the cash  and cash
    equivalents of the  Ciba Composites  Business, except  for cash  on hand  at
    certain  of Ciba's non-U.S. subsidiaries, are  retained by Ciba. The cash on
    hand at certain of Ciba's non-U.S. subsidiaries was acquired in exchange for
    the Senior Demand Notes. The amount  of acquired cash and the  corresponding
    principal  amount of the  Senior Demand Notes, which  Hexcel expects will be
    presented for  payment shortly  after issuance,  are equal  and offset  each
    other.  Accordingly, the  acquisition of such  cash and the  issuance of the
    Senior Demand  Notes has  not  been reflected  in  the unaudited  pro  forma
    condensed combined balance sheet.
 
(5) The fair values of accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and investments and
    other  assets acquired in  the purchase of the  Ciba Composites Business are
    estimated to  equal respective  net  book values.  Under  the terms  of  the
    Strategic  Alliance Agreement,  a portion  of the  Ciba Composites Business'
    accounts receivable and prepaid expenses are retained by Ciba.
 
(6) The fair  value  of  inventories  acquired  in  the  purchase  of  the  Ciba
    Composites Business is estimated to equal aggregate current sales value less
    estimated   selling  costs.  Under  the  terms  of  the  Strategic  Alliance
    Agreement, a  portion  of  the  Ciba  Composites  Business'  inventories  is
    retained by Ciba.
 
(7) The fair value of the property, plant and equipment acquired in the purchase
    of  the Ciba Composites Business  is estimated to be  $45,000 lower than the
    respective net book  value. The estimated  fair value, which  is based on  a
    preliminary  review of the  production facilities and  equipment of the Ciba
    Composites Business,  reflects the  fact that  certain of  these assets  are
    expected  to: (a)  duplicate capabilities  or productive  capacities already
    possessed by Hexcel; or  (b) be in excess  of the combined company's  needs.
    This  estimate  is  subject  to  modification  in  connection  with  further
    analysis. In addition, under the terms of the Strategic Alliance  Agreement,
    a  portion of the Ciba Composites Business' property, plant and equipment is
    retained by Ciba.
 
 (8) The fair  value assigned  to other  assets reflects  the capitalization  of
    estimated  fees and  expenses incurred to  secure the  Senior Secured Credit
    Facility in connection with the acquisition of the Ciba Composites Business.
 
 (9) The fair values of the current and long-term liabilities assumed by  Hexcel
    in  connection  with  the  purchase  of  the  Ciba  Composites  Business are
    estimated to equal the  respective net book values.  Under the terms of  the
    Strategic  Alliance  Agreement,  certain  of  the  liabilities  of  the Ciba
    Composites Business are not assumed by Hexcel.
 
(10) Prior  to  Hexcel's  acquisition  of the  Ciba  Composites  Business,  Ciba
    eliminated  the  minority interest  in an  Austrian  subsidiary of  the Ciba
    Composites Business  ("Danutec") by  purchasing  that interest,  subject  to
    certain   governmental   approvals   which   were   subsequently   obtained.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 3 -- ACQUISITION OF THE CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS: PRO FORMA FINANCIAL
          INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
    Accordingly, the  estimated  pro forma  purchase  price and  purchase  price
    allocation  reflect the transfer of 100% of  the capital stock of Danutec to
    the Company, and the minority interest  in Danutec has been eliminated on  a
    pro forma basis.
 
(11)  The estimated  fees and expenses  incurred in connection  with issuing the
    Hexcel common stock to Ciba are deducted from shareholders' equity.
 
(12) The excess  of purchase  price over net  tangible assets  acquired will  be
    allocated  to  identifiable intangible  assets and  goodwill pursuant  to an
    analysis and valuation of those assets in accordance with the provisions  of
    Accounting  Principles Board Opinion No. 16. Such analysis and valuation has
    not yet been performed. Accordingly, for purposes of the unaudited pro forma
    financial information, the excess of purchase price over net tangible assets
    acquired has been treated as a single intangible asset, with a 20-year life.
    While the values and estimated lives of various intangible assets  resulting
    from   the  final  purchase  allocation  will  vary  from  these  pro  forma
    assumptions, management does not  expect these variances  to be material  to
    the unaudited pro forma financial information contained herein.
 
The  purchase price allocation does not reflect any liabilities for the costs of
consolidating the  business  operations  of the  Ciba  Composites  Business  and
Hexcel.  Those costs,  as discussed above,  are expected to  be significant (see
pages 51 and 52).
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 3 -- ACQUISITION OF THE CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS: PRO FORMA FINANCIAL
          INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS -- UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>                                                                          <C>
(a)        Adjustment to eliminate the cash and cash equivalents of the Ciba
            Composites Business which are retained by Ciba............................  $   (8,412)
                                                                                        ----------
(b)        Adjustment to eliminate accounts receivable of the Ciba Composites Business
            which are retained by Ciba, as well as trade account balances between the
            Ciba Composites Business and Hexcel.......................................  $   (5,805)
                                                                                        ----------
(c)        Adjustment to eliminate inventories of the Ciba Composites Business which
            are retained by Ciba, and to record acquired inventories at estimated fair
            value.....................................................................  $   (1,545)
                                                                                        ----------
(d)        Adjustment to eliminate prepaid expenses and other assets of the Ciba
            Composites Business which are retained by Ciba............................  $   (6,019)
                                                                                        ----------
(e)        Adjustment to eliminate property, plant and equipment of the Ciba
            Composites Business which is retained by Ciba, and to record acquired
            property, plant and equipment at estimated fair value.....................  $  (45,487)
                                                                                        ----------
(f)        Adjustment to record the excess of purchase price over net assets
            acquired..................................................................  $   44,300
                                                                                        ----------
(g)        Adjustment to reflect the following:
           Elimination of the intangible assets of the Ciba Composites Business.......  $  (42,211)
           Capitalization and reclassification of certain fees and expenses incurred
            in connection with the acquisition........................................      (3,200)
           Write-off of capitalized debt issuance costs in connection with the
            extinguishment of certain existing debt obligations with proceeds from the
            Senior Secured Credit Facility............................................      (1,658)
                                                                                        ----------
           Net adjustment.............................................................  $  (47,069)
                                                                                        ----------
(h)        Adjustment to eliminate notes payable of the Ciba Composites Business which
            are not assumed by Hexcel.................................................  $   (9,052)
                                                                                        ----------
(i)        Adjustment to eliminate current liabilities of the Ciba Composites Business
            which are not assumed by Hexcel, as well as trade balances between the
            Ciba Composites Business and Hexcel.......................................  $   (1,208)
                                                                                        ----------
(j)        Adjustment to reflect the issuance of the Senior Subordinated Notes payable
            to Ciba...................................................................  $   26,300
                                                                                        ----------
(k)        Adjustment to reflect the following:
           Elimination of long-term liabilities of the Ciba Composites Business which
            are not assumed by Hexcel.................................................  $   (9,502)
           Net borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facility to finance the cash
            payment to Ciba and certain fees and expenses incurred in connection with
            the acquisition...........................................................      28,400
                                                                                        ----------
           Net adjustment.............................................................  $   18,898
                                                                                        ----------
(l)        Adjustment to reflect the elimination of the minority interest in
            Danutec...................................................................  $   (6,968)
                                                                                        ----------
(m)        Adjustment to reflect the issuance of Hexcel common stock to Ciba, net of
            certain fees and expenses incurred in connection with issuing such stock..  $  140,600
                                                                                        ----------
(n)        Adjustment to reflect the write-off of capitalized debt issuance costs in
            connection with the extinguishment of certain existing debt obligations
            with proceeds from the Senior Secured Credit Facility.....................  $   (1,658)
                                                                                        ----------
(o)        Adjustment to eliminate Ciba's investment in the Ciba Composites
            Business..................................................................  $ (236,949)
                                                                                        ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 3 -- ACQUISITION OF THE CIBA COMPOSITES BUSINESS: PRO FORMA FINANCIAL
          INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)
PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS -- UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>                                                                          <C>
(p)        Adjustment to eliminate sales between the Ciba Composites Business and
            Hexcel....................................................................  $   (3,207)
                                                                                        ----------
(q)        Adjustment to reflect the following:
           Elimination of cost of sales between the Ciba Composites Business and
            Hexcel....................................................................  $    2,708
           Reduction in depreciation costs resulting from the purchase price
            adjustment to the net property, plant and equipment of the Ciba Composites
            Business..................................................................       4,152
                                                                                        ----------
           Net adjustment.............................................................  $    6,860
                                                                                        ----------
(r)        Adjustment to reflect the following:
           Reduction in amortization expense and write-downs of intangible assets
            resulting from the elimination of the intangible assets of the Ciba
            Composites Business in connection with the purchase price allocation......  $    6,930
           Amortization of the excess of purchase price over net assets acquired (20
            year amortization period).................................................      (2,215)
           Amortization of capitalized fees and expenses incurred in connection with
            securing the Senior Secured Credit Facility (3 year amortization
            period)...................................................................        (330)
                                                                                        ----------
           Net adjustment.............................................................  $    4,385
                                                                                        ----------
(s)        Adjustment to reflect the following:
           Elimination of interest expense on liabilities of the Ciba Composites
            Business which are not assumed by Hexcel..................................  $    1,032
           Net reduction in interest expense resulting from the refinancing of certain
            credit facilities with the Senior Secured Credit Facility.................         992
           Estimated interest expense on the Senior Subordinated Notes payable to
            Ciba......................................................................      (2,893)
                                                                                        ----------
           Net adjustment.............................................................  $     (869)
                                                                                        ----------
(t)        On February 9, 1995, Hexcel emerged from bankruptcy reorganization
            proceedings which had begun on December 6, 1993. In connection with those
            proceedings, Hexcel incurred bankruptcy reorganization expenses of $3,361
            during the year ended December 31, 1995. Although the resolution of
            certain bankruptcy-related issues, including the final settlement of
            disputed claims and professional fees, resulted in expenses being incurred
            after February 9, 1995, Hexcel has not incurred any significant
            bankruptcy-related expenses since October 1, 1995.
(u)        Adjustment to eliminate the minority interest in the operating results of
            the Ciba Composites Business..............................................  $    1,506
                                                                                        ----------
(v)        The income tax consequences of the cumulative pro forma adjustments are
            estimated to be zero. This is due to the fact that the pro forma combined
            company incurred losses from continuing operations before income taxes for
            the year ended December 31, 1995, and no income tax benefits relating to
            these losses have been recognized. Furthermore, the pro forma combined
            company has sufficient net operating loss carryforwards for income tax
            purposes to substantially eliminate any tax liabilities arising from pro
            forma adjustments.
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 4 -- BANKRUPTCY REORGANIZATION
    On January 12,  1995, the United  States Bankruptcy Court  for the  Northern
District  of California (the "Bankruptcy Court")  entered an order dated January
10, 1995 confirming the  Reorganization Plan proposed by  Hexcel and the  Equity
Committee.  On February  9, 1995, the  Reorganization Plan  became effective and
Hexcel emerged from the bankruptcy reorganization proceedings which had begun on
December 6, 1993, when  Hexcel filed a voluntary  petition for relief under  the
provisions of Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws.
 
    The  Reorganization Plan which became effective on February 9, 1995 provided
for: (a) the replacement  of a debtor-in-possession credit  facility with a  new
revolving  credit facility (the  "Revolving Credit Facility")  of up to $45,000;
(b) the  creation of  an amended  reimbursement agreement  with respect  to  the
letters  of credit in  support of certain  industrial development revenue bonds;
(c) the completion  of the  first closing  under a  standby purchase  commitment
whereby  Mutual Series Fund Inc. ("Mutual Series") purchased 1,946 shares of new
common stock for  $9,000 and  loaned Hexcel $41,000  as an  advance against  the
proceeds  of a subscription rights offering  for additional shares of new common
stock; and  (d) the  reinstatement or  payment in  full, with  interest, of  all
allowed claims, including prepetition accounts payable and notes payable.
 
    The  Revolving Credit  Facility was  replaced by  the Senior  Secured Credit
Facility on February 29, 1996 (see Note 10).
 
    The subscription  rights offering  concluded  on March  27, 1995,  with  the
issuance  of an additional 7,156 shares of  new common stock. The resulting cash
proceeds of $33,098 were used to reduce the outstanding balance of the loan from
Mutual Series.  The second  closing  under the  standby purchase  agreement  was
completed  on April 6, 1995, with the  issuance of an additional 1,590 shares of
new common stock to Mutual Series, the  issuance of an additional 108 shares  of
new  common stock  to John  J. Lee,  Hexcel's Chief  Executive Officer,  and the
retirement of the  remaining balance of  the Mutual Series  loan. Following  the
second  closing  under the  standby  purchase agreement  on  April 6,  1995, the
Company had a total of 18,101 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
 
    The Reorganization Plan provided for  the reinstatement or payment in  full,
with interest, of all allowed claims, including prepetition accounts payable and
notes  payable. The  total of  all claims reinstated  or paid,  less the portion
representing accrued interest for the period from January 1 to February 9, 1995,
has  been  reflected  as  "liabilities  subject  to  disposition  in  bankruptcy
reorganization"  in the consolidated  balance sheet as of  December 31, 1994. On
February 9, 1995, Hexcel  paid $78,144 in prepetition  claims and interest,  and
reinstated  another $60,575  in prepetition  liabilities. Reinstated liabilities
were  reclassified  from  "liabilities  subject  to  disposition  in  bankruptcy
reorganization"  to  the  appropriate  liability  captions  of  the consolidated
balance sheet  on  February 9,  1995.  The payment  of  claims and  interest  on
February 9, 1995 was financed with: (a) cash proceeds of $26,694 received in the
first  quarter  of  1995  from  the  sale  of  the  Company's  Chandler, Arizona
manufacturing facility and certain related  assets and technology (see Note  5);
(b)  cash proceeds of $2,602 received in the first quarter of 1995 from the sale
of the Company's European resins business (see Note 5); (c) the $50,000 in  cash
received  from Mutual Series in connection  with the standby purchase agreement;
and (d) borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
    Professional fees and other costs directly related to bankruptcy proceedings
were  expensed  as  incurred,  and  have  been  reflected  in  the  consolidated
statements  of  operations as  "bankruptcy reorganization  expenses." Bankruptcy
reorganization expenses have  consisted primarily of  professional fees paid  to
legal  and financial advisors  of Hexcel, the Equity  Committee and the Official
Committee  of  Unsecured  Creditors.   In  addition,  these  expenses   included
incentives  for  employees  to  remain  with the  Company  for  the  duration of
bankruptcy proceedings and the write-off of previously capitalized costs related
to the issuance of prepetition debt, as required by SOP 90-7. The resolution  of
certain  bankruptcy-related issues,  including the final  settlement of disputed
claims and  professional fees,  resulted in  expenses being  incurred after  the
effective date of the Reorganization Plan. However, the Company has not incurred
any significant bankruptcy-related expenses since October 1, 1995.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 5 -- RECEIVABLES FROM ASSET SALES
 
SALE OF CHANDLER, ARIZONA MANUFACTURING FACILITY AND CERTAIN RELATED ASSETS AND
TECHNOLOGY
 
    Hexcel sold its Chandler, Arizona manufacturing facility and certain related
assets and technology to Northrop Grumman Corporation ("Northrop") in the fourth
quarter  of  1994. In  connection with  the sale,  the Company  recognized other
income of  $15,900,  which  includes  the effects  of  reversing  $10,000  of  a
previously  established restructuring  reserve related to  the Chandler facility
and $5,900 which  represents the  excess of the  sales price  over the  carrying
value  of the net  assets sold. The  transaction generated net  cash proceeds of
$28,988, of which $2,294 was  received in 1994 and  $26,694 was received in  the
first  quarter of 1995. The  net proceeds received in  the first quarter of 1995
have been  reflected  in "receivables  from  asset sales"  in  the  consolidated
balance sheet as of December 31, 1994.
 
    Under the terms of the Chandler transaction, Hexcel retained a royalty-free,
non-exclusive  license to use  the technology sold  in non-military applications
and will  receive  royalties  from  Northrop on  certain  applications  of  that
technology.  In addition,  the Company  may receive  up to  an additional $2,300
pursuant to the terms of the transaction, when certain conditions are satisfied.
Of this amount,  $600 was received  in the third  quarter of 1995  and has  been
reflected in "other income (expense), net" in the 1995 consolidated statement of
operations.  An additional $1,560  was received in  February 1996; the resulting
income will be recognized in the first quarter of 1996.
 
SALE OF RESINS BUSINESS
 
    On December 29, 1994,  Hexcel sold its European  resins operations to  Axson
S.A.,  a French corporation, through the sale  of all of the Company's shares in
the capital stock  of its  European resins  subsidiaries. The  sale and  related
settlement  transactions generated net cash proceeds of approximately $8,727, of
which $6,125 was received in the fourth quarter of 1994 and $2,602 was  received
in  the first quarter of 1995. The net proceeds received in the first quarter of
1995 have been reflected in "receivables  from asset sales" in the  consolidated
balance sheet as of December 31, 1994.
 
    Hexcel  sold  its  U.S.  resins  operations  to  Fiber-Resin  Corporation, a
wholly-owned subsidiary  of  H.B.  Fuller  Company, on  October  30,  1995.  The
estimated  net proceeds  from the  sale approximated the  net book  value of the
assets sold. The  sale of  the Company's  U.S. resins  operations completed  the
divestiture  of  the  resins  business,  which  has  been  accounted  for  as  a
discontinued operation in the consolidated financial statements for all  periods
presented (see Note 23).
 
NOTE 6 -- INVENTORIES
    Inventories as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1995       1994
                                                                         ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>
Raw materials..........................................................  $  22,257  $  18,846
Work in progress.......................................................     13,688     12,518
Finished goods.........................................................     17,778     14,934
Supplies...............................................................      1,752      1,066
                                                                         ---------  ---------
Inventories............................................................  $  55,475  $  47,364
                                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                                         ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 7 -- PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
    Property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1995          1994
                                                                    ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
Land..............................................................  $      2,349  $      2,213
Buildings.........................................................        46,560        36,913
Equipment.........................................................       154,671       147,202
                                                                    ------------  ------------
Property, plant and equipment.....................................       203,580       186,328
Less accumulated depreciation.....................................      (117,625)     (103,215)
                                                                    ------------  ------------
Net property, plant and equipment.................................  $     85,955  $     83,113
                                                                    ------------  ------------
                                                                    ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 8 -- INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS
    Investments and other assets as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1995          1994
                                                                    ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>
Investments in joint ventures.....................................  $      6,615  $      6,287
Deferred business acquisition costs...............................         4,150       --
Debt financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $529 as
 of December 31, 1995.............................................         1,658       --
Other assets......................................................         4,169         5,705
                                                                    ------------  ------------
Investments and other assets......................................  $     16,592  $     11,992
                                                                    ------------  ------------
                                                                    ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
    Investments  in joint  ventures consist of  a 50% equity  interest in Knytex
Company,  L.L.C.  ("Knytex"),   which  is  jointly   owned  and  operated   with
Owens-Corning  Fiberglas Corporation, and a  40% equity interest in Hexcel-Fyfe,
L.L.C. ("Hexcel-Fyfe"), which is jointly owned and operated with Fyfe Associates
Corporation. The Company also owns an  equity interest in DIC-Hexcel Limited,  a
joint  venture with Dainippon  Ink and Chemicals, Inc.  ("DIC"), for which there
was no  recorded asset  value as  of December  31, 1995  or 1994  (see Note  9).
Investments  in joint ventures are accounted for by the equity method. Equity in
the earnings of joint ventures were  not material to the Company's  consolidated
results of operations in 1995, 1994 or 1993.
 
    Knytex  was  formed  on June  30,  1993 when  the  Company sold  50%  of its
stitchbonded business to Owens-Corning and contributed the remaining 50% to  the
joint  venture. The Company received proceeds of $4,500 and recognized a gain of
$1,541 from the sale.
 
    Deferred business acquisition costs consists of certain  transaction-related
costs  incurred  in  connection  with the  acquisition  of  the  Ciba Composites
Business through  December  31,  1995.  Such  costs  will  be  included  in  the
allocation  of the  total purchase price  to the  net assets acquired  as of the
acquisition date, in  accordance with  the provisions  of Accounting  Principles
Board Opinion No. 16.
 
    Debt financing costs are deferred and amortized over the life of the related
debt.  All  debt  financing  costs  as  of  December  31,  1995  relate  to debt
obligations that were extinguished on February  29, 1996 with proceeds from  the
Senior  Secured Credit  Facility. Accordingly,  the unamortized  balance of such
costs will be written  off by a  charge to "interest  expense" during the  first
quarter of 1996.
 
NOTE 9 -- DIC-HEXCEL LIMITED
    The  Company owns an equity interest  in DIC-Hexcel Limited, a joint venture
with Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc. ("DIC"). The joint venture was formed  in
1990  for the  production and sale  of Nomex honeycomb,  advanced composites and
decorative laminates  for  the  Japanese  market. The  joint  venture  owns  and
operates a manufacturing facility in Komatsu, Japan.
 
    Under  the  terms of  the original  joint venture  agreement, DIC  agreed to
guarantee all bank debt incurred by this venture. In turn, the Company  provided
an undertaking that in the event the joint
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 9 -- DIC-HEXCEL LIMITED (CONTINUED)
venture  went into liquidation  the Company would  reimburse DIC for  50% of all
guaranteed bank  loans, net  of any  proceeds  from the  sale of  the  venture's
assets.  During  1994,  the  economic viability  of  this  joint  venture became
questionable, and the cost  of product qualification  efforts and the  attendant
lack of revenues were resulting in negative cash flows. During the third quarter
of 1994, DIC proposed to liquidate the joint venture. The Company responded with
a  proposal to  restructure the  joint venture,  subject to  various conditions,
which DIC agreed to  consider. Under either proposal,  the Company would  retain
responsibility  for  a  portion of  the  joint venture's  guaranteed  bank debt.
Accordingly, the Company recorded  an $8,000 provision in  the third quarter  of
1994  to reflect the  estimated cost of  restructuring or liquidating DIC-Hexcel
Limited. This provision has been included  in "other income (expenses), net"  in
the  1994 consolidated statement of  operations, and the corresponding liability
has  been  included  in  "liabilities  subject  to  disposition  in   bankruptcy
reorganization" in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1994.
 
    On  February  20, 1995,  Hexcel and  DIC  entered into  an amendment  to the
original joint venture  agreements which provided  additional funding to  permit
DIC-Hexcel Limited to complete its product qualification efforts and limited the
Company's  potential liability for the venture's  bank debt guaranteed by DIC to
$9,000. Under the terms  of the amendment,  the Company and  DIC each agreed  to
contribute  $4,500 in cash to the venture,  payable in installments of $1,438 in
the first quarter of 1995  and $438 in each of  the next seven quarters. It  was
agreed  that such  cash contributions by  the Company would  reduce pro-rata its
potential liability of $9,000. The amendment also provided, after taking account
to the transactions contemplated  thereunder, for a  reduction in the  Company's
equity  interest in DIC-Hexcel Limited to approximately 42% with a corresponding
increase in DIC's  equity interest. After  December 31, 1996,  should demand  be
made  under the loans made to DIC-Hexcel  Limited guaranteed by DIC, the Company
will be required to pay 50% of any amount DIC pays on account of its guarantees,
up to a  cumulative amount of  $4,500. Furthermore, the  Company and DIC  agreed
that  they would discuss and review the  prospects of the venture and its future
financing during the second half  of 1996. During this  period both DIC and  the
Company each have the right to request the liquidation of DIC-Hexcel Limited. If
such  right is exercised,  the Company will  be required to  make payment of the
remaining contingent liability  of up to  $4,500. If such  liquidation right  is
exercise  by either party, it is not  anticipated that payment would be required
prior to January 1997.
 
    Management believes that the $8,000 provision recorded in the third  quarter
of  1994 remains  the best  estimate of  the Company's  total probable liability
under the amended joint venture agreement, based on the terms of that  agreement
and  the projected future  operating results of  DIC-Hexcel Limited. The Company
contributed $2,750  of cash  to  the joint  venture  during 1995,  reducing  the
remaining  probable liability to $5,250 as of December 31, 1995. Of this amount,
$1,750 has been included in "accrued  liabilities" and $3,500 has been  included
in  "deferred liabilities" in the consolidated  balance sheet as of December 31,
1995 (see Note 17).
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 10 -- NOTES PAYABLE
    Notes payable and capital lease obligations as of December 31, 1995 and 1994
were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1995
                                                                               UNAUDITED
                                                                               PRO FORMA
                                                                               (SEE NOTE
                                                                                  3)         1995        1994
                                                                              -----------  ---------  ----------
<S>                                                                           <C>          <C>        <C>
Senior Secured Credit Facility..............................................   $  74,605      --          --
Revolving Credit Facility...................................................      --       $  30,091      --
European credit facilities..................................................       1,692      17,806  $   18,128
Debtor-in-possession credit facility........................................      --          --           4,189
Prepetition credit facility.................................................      --          --          12,000
Senior Subordinated Notes payable to Ciba-Geigy.............................      26,300      --          --
10.12% senior notes, originally due 1998....................................      --          --          30,000
7% convertible subordinated debentures, due 2011............................      25,625      25,625      25,625
Obligations under IDRB variable rate demand notes, due through 2024, net....      11,990      11,990      13,310
Capital lease obligations (see Note 11).....................................       3,217       3,217       3,234
Various notes payable, due through 2007.....................................       1,715       1,715       3,053
                                                                              -----------  ---------  ----------
    Total notes payable and capital lease obligations.......................     145,144      90,144     109,539
Less amount subject to disposition in bankruptcy reorganization.............      --          --         (80,815)
                                                                              -----------  ---------  ----------
    Total notes payable and capital lease obligations, net..................   $ 145,144   $  90,144  $   28,724
                                                                              -----------  ---------  ----------
                                                                              -----------  ---------  ----------
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term liabilities, net..........   $   1,802   $   1,802  $   12,720
Long-term notes payable and capital lease obligations, net..................     143,342      88,342      16,004
                                                                              -----------  ---------  ----------
    Total notes payable and capital lease obligations, net..................   $ 145,144   $  90,144  $   28,724
                                                                              -----------  ---------  ----------
                                                                              -----------  ---------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
SENIOR SECURED CREDIT FACILITY
 
    In  connection with the acquisition of  the Ciba Composites Business, Hexcel
obtained the Senior  Secured Credit Facility  on February 29,  1996. The  Senior
Secured  Credit  Facility is  a three-year  revolving credit  facility of  up to
$175,000 which  is available  to: (a)  fund the  $25,000 cash  component of  the
purchase  price paid for the Ciba Composites Business; (b) refinance outstanding
indebtedness under certain U.S. and European credit facilities; and (c)  provide
for the ongoing working capital and other financing requirements of the Company,
including  consolidation activities,  on a  worldwide basis.  The Senior Secured
Credit Facility replaces  the Revolving  Credit Facility which  was obtained  on
February  9, 1995, in  connection with Hexcel's Reorganization  Plan, as well as
certain European credit facilities.
 
    Interest on outstanding borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit  Facility
is  computed  at an  annual  rate of  0.4% in  excess  of the  applicable London
interbank rate or, at the option of Hexcel, the base rate of the  administrative
agent  for  the lenders.  In  addition, the  Senior  Secured Credit  Facility is
subject to  a commitment  fee of  approximately  0.2% per  annum on  the  unused
portion  of the facility and a  letter of credit fee of  up to 0.5% per annum on
the outstanding face amount of letters of credit. The Company also paid one-time
arrangement, syndication  and closing  fees totaling  $869, as  well as  certain
other  costs and  expenses related to  the implementation of  the Senior Secured
Credit Facility.
 
    The Senior  Secured Credit  Facility is  secured  by a  pledge of  stock  of
certain  of Hexcel's  subsidiaries, and  is also  guaranteed by  the Company and
certain of its  subsidiaries. In  addition, the  Company is  subject to  various
financial  covenants and restrictions under  the Senior Secured Credit Facility,
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 10 -- NOTES PAYABLE (CONTINUED)
including minimum levels of  tangible net worth and  fixed charge coverage,  and
maximum  levels of  debt to  earnings before  interest, taxes,  depreciation and
amortization.  The  Senior   Secured  Credit  Facility   also  imposes   certain
restrictions  on incurring additional indebtedness,  and generally prohibits the
Company from paying dividends or redeeming capital stock.
 
    In addition to providing for typical  events of default, including an  event
of default resulting from a "change in control" (as defined) of the Company, the
Senior Secured Credit Facility provides that an event of default would occur if,
under  certain circumstances, Ciba:  (a) ceases to  hold, directly or indirectly
through one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries, 100% of the outstanding principal
amount of the  Senior Subordinated  Notes, or  (b) ceases  to beneficially  own,
directly  or indirectly, at least 40% of  Hexcel's voting stock. In light of the
foregoing, the Company and Ciba entered into a Retention Agreement, dated as  of
February 29, 1996, pursuant to which Ciba agreed, subject to the limitations set
forth  therein,  to:  (a)  hold  directly  or  indirectly  through  one  or more
wholly-owned subsidiaries,  100%  of the  outstanding  principal amount  of  the
Senior  Subordinated Notes, and (b) beneficially own, directly or indirectly, at
least 40% of the Company's voting stock.
 
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
 
    The Revolving  Credit  Facility,  which  replaced  the  Debtor-in-possession
credit  facility on February 9, 1995, was  replaced by the Senior Secured Credit
Facility on February 29, 1996.
 
EUROPEAN CREDIT FACILITIES
 
    Certain European  credit  facilities were  replaced  by the  Senior  Secured
Credit Facility on February 29, 1996.
 
SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYABLE TO CIBA-GEIGY
 
    In  connection with the acquisition of  the Ciba Composites Business, Hexcel
has undertaken to deliver  to Ciba and/or  one or more  of its subsidiaries  the
Senior  Subordinated Notes. The Senior Subordinated  Notes, which will be issued
following  the  completion   of  certain   post-closing  adjustment   procedures
contemplated  by  the Strategic  Alliance Agreement,  will be  general unsecured
obligations of the  Company in  an aggregate principal  amount of  approximately
$43,000,  subject to certain adjustments.  The actual aggregate principal amount
of the  Senior Subordinated  Notes to  be issued  may be  higher or  lower  than
$43,000, because the adjustments required under the Strategic Alliance Agreement
to reflect changes in working capital and certain other items as of February 29,
1996  have not yet been determined. (The pro forma aggregate principal amount of
the Senior Subordinated Notes as of December  31, 1995 was $27,400, and the  pro
forma  estimated fair value  of the Senior  Subordinated Notes on  that date was
$26,300. See Note 3.)
 
    The Senior Subordinated Notes will bear  interest for three years at a  rate
of  7.5% per annum,  payable semiannually, from February  29, 1996. The interest
rate will  increase  to  10.5%  per  annum  on  the  third  anniversary  of  the
acquisition  of the Ciba Composites Business, and by an additional 0.5% per year
thereafter until the  Senior Subordinated  Notes mature  in the  year 2003.  The
payment  of  principal and  interest on  the Senior  Subordinated Notes  will be
subordinate to the Senior Secured Credit Facility.
 
    The Senior Subordinated Notes will be callable, in whole or in part, at  the
option  of  Hexcel at  any time  without penalty,  and the  Company will  not be
required to make mandatory  redemption or sinking  fund payments. Under  certain
circumstances,  upon a  "change of  control" of the  Company, as  defined in the
indenture governing the  Senior Subordinated  Notes, the holders  of the  Senior
Subordinated  Notes (except,  under certain  circumstances, Ciba)  will have the
right to cause the Company to
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 10 -- NOTES PAYABLE (CONTINUED)
repurchase all or any part of the Senior Subordinated Notes at a price equal  to
101% of the principal amount to be repurchased plus accrued interest. Under such
indenture,  the  Company  will  be subject  to  various  restrictions, including
restrictions  on  incurring  additional   indebtedness,  paying  dividends   and
redeeming capital stock.
 
7% CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
 
    The  7% convertible subordinated  debentures were subject  to disposition in
bankruptcy reorganization, and were reinstated on February 9, 1995, pursuant  to
the  Reorganization Plan. These  debentures are redeemable  by the Company under
certain provisions, although any such redemption  is restricted by the terms  of
the  Senior Secured Credit Facility. Mandatory  redemption is scheduled to begin
in 2002 through annual sinking fund requirements. The debentures are convertible
prior to maturity into common stock of the Company at $30.72 per share,  subject
to adjustment under certain conditions.
 
OBLIGATIONS UNDER IDRB VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTES
 
    Hexcel   has   various  industrial   development  revenue   bonds  ("IDRBs")
outstanding, guaranteed by bank letters of credit for fees of 0.5%. These  IDRBs
were subject to disposition in bankruptcy reorganization, and were reinstated on
February  9, 1995,  pursuant to the  Reorganization Plan. The  letters of credit
which guarantee the IDRBs were also reinstated, in accordance with the terms  of
an  amended  reimbursement agreement  (the  "Reimbursement Agreement")  with the
issuing bank, and extended until December 31, 1998. The Reimbursement  Agreement
originally  provided  that,  commencing April  1,  1995 and  every  three months
thereafter for the duration  of the agreement, the  Company would either  redeem
$600  of the guaranteed  IDRBs, obtain a $600  letter of credit  in favor of the
issuing bank, or  deposit $600 into  a sinking  fund in which  the issuing  bank
and/or  the trustees for the IDRBs will hold a first priority security interest.
However, these provisions were eliminated  by an amendment to the  Reimbursement
Agreement  dated February 29, 1996.  This amendment, which was  agreed to by the
issuing bank in connection with the Company's acquisition of the Ciba Composites
Business, also  eliminated certain  financial covenants  and other  restrictions
previously  contained in the Reimbursement Agreement.  The interest rates on the
IDRBs are variable and averaged 6.2% in 1995, 3.9% in 1994 and 2.5% in 1993.
 
    On November  1, 1994,  Hexcel sold  the property  it owned  in the  City  of
Industry,  California for $2,600,  which approximated net  book value. Under the
terms of  the sales  agreement, the  buyer paid  the Company  $260 in  cash  and
assumed  responsibility for $2,340 of the outstanding principal of a $4,900 IDRB
related to the property. As of December 31, 1995, the outstanding balance of the
IDRB had been reduced to  $4,700, of which $2,160  was an assumed obligation  of
the  buyer. The  Company is  contingently liable  for that  portion of  the IDRB
assumed by the buyer, in the event  the buyer should default on assumed  payment
obligations.
 
INSTALLMENTS DUE ON NOTES PAYABLE
 
    Excluding  obligations extinguished  with proceeds  from the  Senior Secured
Credit Facility, installments due on long-term notes payable are $1,489 in 1996,
$267 in 1997 and $38,966 in years after the year 2000. The Senior Secured Credit
Facility, which  was  used  to refinance  long-term  debt  obligations  totaling
$46,205 as of December 31, 1995, expires in 1999.
 
AGGREGATE FAIR VALUE OF LONG-TERM DEBT
 
    Management  believes  that the  aggregate fair  value of  Hexcel's long-term
debt, excluding  the 7%  convertible subordinated  debentures, approximates  the
aggregate book value, as substantially all
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 10 -- NOTES PAYABLE (CONTINUED)
such  debt is comprised  of variable-rate obligations. However,  there can be no
assurance that the aggregate fair value of the Company's long-term debt will not
materially vary  from  the  aggregate book  value.  The  fair value  of  the  7%
convertible  subordinated debentures is estimated on  the basis of quoted market
prices, although trading in the debentures  is limited and may not reflect  fair
value. The estimated fair value of all of the outstanding debentures was $21,781
and $15,888 as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
INTEREST PAYMENTS
 
    Interest  payments were $8,345 in  1995, $3,909 in 1994  and $8,802 in 1993.
Hexcel was  legally prohibited  from paying  interest on  most prepetition  debt
obligations in 1994.
 
NOTE 11 -- LEASING ARRANGEMENTS
    Assets,  accumulated  depreciation  and  related  liability  balances  under
capital leasing arrangements as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   1995       1994
                                                                                 ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                              <C>        <C>
Property, plant and equipment..................................................  $   7,205  $   6,734
Less accumulated depreciation..................................................     (2,611)    (2,246)
                                                                                 ---------  ---------
    Net property, plant and equipment..........................................  $   4,594  $   4,488
                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                 ---------  ---------
Capital lease obligations......................................................  $   3,217  $   3,234
Less current maturities........................................................       (313)      (410)
                                                                                 ---------  ---------
    Long-term capital lease obligations, net...................................  $   2,904  $   2,824
                                                                                 ---------  ---------
                                                                                 ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Certain sales  and administrative  offices, data  processing equipment,  and
manufacturing  facilities  are leased  under  operating leases.  Rental expenses
under operating leases were $2,871 in 1995, $3,675 in 1994 and $3,530 in 1993.
 
    Future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 1995 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     TYPE OF LEASE
                                                                                 ----------------------
PAYABLE DURING YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31:                                          CAPITAL    OPERATING
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                                              <C>        <C>
1996...........................................................................  $     675   $   2,520
1997...........................................................................        675       1,975
1998...........................................................................        675       1,327
1999...........................................................................        675       1,078
2000...........................................................................        582         737
2001 and thereafter............................................................      2,267       2,147
                                                                                 ---------  -----------
    Total minimum lease payments...............................................  $   5,549   $   9,784
                                                                                 ---------  -----------
                                                                                 ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Total minimum capital lease payments include $2,332 of imputed interest.
 
NOTE 12 -- ACCRUED RESTRUCTURING LIABILITIES
    In  December  1992,  Hexcel  initiated  a  worldwide  restructuring  program
designed  to  improve facility  utilization and  determine the  proper workforce
requirements to support projected reduced levels of business in 1993 and beyond.
The Company recorded a charge for this program of $23,000 in the fourth  quarter
of 1992.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 12 -- ACCRUED RESTRUCTURING LIABILITIES (CONTINUED)
    In   April  1993,  Hexcel  announced  the   closing  of  the  Graham,  Texas
manufacturing facility and  the consolidation  of Graham  operations into  other
plants.  The  estimated  costs  of  this  closure  were  included  in  the  1992
restructuring charge. The Graham closure was substantially completed in 1994.
 
    In September  1993,  Hexcel  announced plans  to  significantly  expand  the
restructuring  program in response to the expected further decline in commercial
and military aerospace markets.  Accordingly, the Company  recorded a charge  of
$44,000  in the third  quarter of 1993.  This expansion included  deeper cuts in
overhead and  further  consolidation of  facilities  in the  United  States  and
Europe.  During the fourth quarter  of 1993, an additional  charge of $2,600 was
recorded in connection  with the  expanded restructuring program.  The 1993  and
1992   restructuring   charges  included   approximately  $34,000   of  non-cash
write-downs related to facility  closures and the  impairment of certain  assets
due to declining sales and the changed business environment.
 
    In   the  fourth  quarter  of  1994,   Hexcel  sold  the  Chandler,  Arizona
manufacturing facility and certain related  assets and technology (see Note  5).
Together  with the closure of the  Graham facility, this completed the reduction
in honeycomb  production capacity  contemplated  by the  expanded  restructuring
program. The Company transferred certain assets and production processes located
at  the Chandler facility, which were not included in the sale, to the Company's
facility in  Casa Grande,  Arizona.  The estimated  costs associated  with  this
transfer were included in the restructuring charge recorded in the third quarter
of 1993.
 
    The total of $69,600 in restructuring charges taken in 1992 and 1993 and the
remaining  balances of accrued restructuring charges as of December 31, 1995 and
1994 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         ACCRUED        ACCRUED
                                                                        1992 & 1993   RESTRUCTURING  RESTRUCTURING
                                                                       RESTRUCTURING   LIABILITIES    LIABILITIES
                                                                         EXPENSES      AT 12/31/95    AT 12/31/94
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>
Estimated costs to close and relocate facilities:
  Asset write-downs..................................................   $    19,500    $       500    $     2,230
  Cash costs, net of expected sales proceeds.........................        11,000          1,190          2,835
Estimated employee severance costs (excluding severance related to
 the closure of facilities)..........................................        15,900            260          1,100
Asset write-downs due to changed business conditions.................        14,700        --             --
Estimated cash costs of various other restructuring actions..........         8,500            937          5,000
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                        $    69,600    $     2,887    $    11,165
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                       -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
    The decrease in accrued restructuring  liabilities during 1995 is  primarily
attributable  to  the  consolidation of  honeycomb  manufacturing  operations in
connection with the  disposal of  the Chandler  facility, as  well as  severance
payments  and  implementation  of  a  new  management  information  system.  The
consolidation  of  honeycomb   operations  reflected  in   the  1992  and   1993
restructuring  charges is  substantially complete,  while implementation  of the
information system will continue through 1996.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 13 -- LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO DISPOSITION IN BANKRUPTCY REORGANIZATION
    Liabilities subject  to  disposition  in  bankruptcy  reorganization  as  of
December 31, 1994 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                1994
                                                                                             -----------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
Accounts payable...........................................................................  $    23,271
Accrued liabilities, including interest....................................................       33,691
Notes payable and capital lease obligations (see Note 10)..................................       80,815
                                                                                             -----------
    Total liabilities subject to disposition in bankruptcy reorganization..................  $   137,777
                                                                                             -----------
                                                                                             -----------
Current liabilities subject to disposition in bankruptcy reorganization....................  $    97,025
Long-term liabilities subject to disposition in bankruptcy reorganization..................       40,752
                                                                                             -----------
    Total liabilities subject to disposition in bankruptcy reorganization..................  $   137,777
                                                                                             -----------
                                                                                             -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The  Reorganization Plan provided for the  reinstatement or payment in full,
with interest, of all allowed claims, including prepetition accounts payable and
notes payable. The  total of  all claims reinstated  or paid,  less the  portion
representing accrued interest for the period from January 1 to February 9, 1995,
has  been  reflected  as  "liabilities  subject  to  disposition  in  bankruptcy
reorganization" in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1994.
 
NOTE 14 -- RETIREMENT PLANS
    The Company  has  various  retirement  and  profit  sharing  plans  covering
substantially all U.S. employees and certain European employees. The net cost of
these plans was $2,768 in 1995, $2,443 in 1994 and $2,330 in 1993.
 
    In  the United States, the Company maintains a defined contribution plan and
a defined benefit pension  plan. The defined contribution  plan is available  to
substantially  all U.S. employees, and is comprised of a 401(k) savings plan and
a profit sharing plan. Under the 401(k) savings plan, the Company makes matching
contributions equal to 50% of the contributions of the employees, not to  exceed
3%  of  employee compensation.  The  defined benefit  pension  plan is  a career
average pension plan covering substantially all U.S. hourly employees. Effective
January 1, 1996, participation in the defined benefit pension plan was  extended
to  U.S. salaried employees as well. Benefits  are based on years of service and
the annual compensation of the employee, and the Company's funding policy is  to
contribute the minimum amount required by applicable regulations.
 
    The  Company also maintains a defined  benefit pension plan for employees in
the United  Kingdom, and  defined benefit  retirement plans  for certain  senior
executives  and directors. The Company's European subsidiaries, except for those
in the United Kingdom,  participate in government  retirement plans which  cover
all employees of those subsidiaries.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 14 -- RETIREMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)
    Contributions  to the 401(k)  savings plan were $1,290  for 1995, $1,039 for
1994 and $1,130 for 1993. There were no contributions to the profit sharing plan
for 1995, 1994 or 1993.  The net cost of  the Company's defined benefit  pension
and  retirement  plans for  the years  ended  December 31,  1995, 1994  and 1993
consisted of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1995       1994       1993
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
Service cost -- benefits earned during the year........................  $     661  $     753  $     749
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation..........................        660        706        713
Return on assets -- actual.............................................     (1,103)        33     (1,385)
Net amortization and deferral..........................................      1,260        (88)     1,123
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net periodic pension cost..........................................  $   1,478  $   1,404  $   1,200
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Assumptions used in the accounting for these defined benefit and  retirement
plans were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1995         1994         1993
                                                                                 -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                              <C>          <C>          <C>
Discount rate..................................................................        7.0%         8.0%         7.0%
Rate of increase in compensation...............................................        4.0%         4.0%         4.0%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets...............................        9.5%         9.5%         9.5%
</TABLE>
 
    The funded status and amounts recognized for the defined benefit pension and
retirement plans as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             1995       1994
                                                                                           ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                        <C>        <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligation:
  Vested benefit obligation..............................................................  $   8,047  $   6,688
  Non-vested benefit obligation..........................................................      1,281      1,022
                                                                                           ---------  ---------
    Accumulated benefit obligation.......................................................  $   9,328  $   7,710
                                                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                                                           ---------  ---------
Projected benefit obligation for service rendered to date................................  $  10,985  $   8,658
Less plan assets at fair value, primarily listed stocks and insurance contracts..........     (5,117)    (3,128)
                                                                                           ---------  ---------
Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets....................................      5,868      5,530
Unrecognized net loss....................................................................     (2,176)      (814)
Unrecognized prior service costs.........................................................       (240)      (285)
Unrecognized net transition obligation being recognized over 15 years....................       (255)      (298)
Adjustment required to recognize minimum pension liability...............................      1,014        449
                                                                                           ---------  ---------
Defined benefit pension and retirement liability.........................................      4,211      4,582
Less current portion of pension and retirement liability.................................     (1,780)    (1,762)
                                                                                           ---------  ---------
    Deferred pension and retirement liability (see Note 17)..............................  $   2,431  $   2,820
                                                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                                                           ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 15 -- POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH CARE AND LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS
    The  Company provides certain postretirement  health care and life insurance
benefits to  eligible retirees.  Substantially all  U.S. employees  hired on  or
before  December 31, 1995 who retire on or after age 58 after rendering at least
15 years of service are eligible  for benefits. Benefits consist of coverage  of
up  to 50%  of the  annual cost of  certain health  insurance plans,  as well as
annual life insurance coverage equal to 65% of the final base pay of the retiree
until the age of 70. Upon reaching  70 years of age, life insurance coverage  is
reduced.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 15 -- POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH CARE AND LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS (CONTINUED)
    The  Company  funds postretirement  health care  and life  insurance benefit
costs on  a pay-as-you-go  basis and,  for  1995, 1994  and 1993,  made  benefit
payments  of  $583,  $423  and $576,  respectively.  Net  defined postretirement
benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1995       1994       1993
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
Service cost -- benefits earned during the year........................  $     279  $     389  $     400
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.........        780        915      1,100
Net amortization and deferral..........................................       (201)    --         --
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net periodic postretirement benefit cost...........................  $     858  $   1,304  $   1,500
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Defined postretirement benefit liabilities as of December 31, 1995 and  1994
were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1995       1994
                                                                                ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                             <C>        <C>
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
  Retirees....................................................................  $   6,766  $   7,661
  Fully eligible active plan participants.....................................      1,264        985
  Other active plan participants..............................................      3,726      3,211
                                                                                ---------  ---------
                                                                                   11,756     11,857
Unrecognized net gain.........................................................      2,778      2,402
                                                                                ---------  ---------
Defined postretirement benefit liability......................................     14,534     14,259
Less current portion of postretirement benefit liability......................       (583)      (651)
                                                                                ---------  ---------
    Deferred postretirement benefit liability (see Note 17)...................  $  13,951  $  13,608
                                                                                ---------  ---------
                                                                                ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Two  health care  cost trend  rates were  used in  measuring the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation. The assumed indemnity health care cost  trend
in  1996 was  11.0% for  participants less  than 65  years of  age and  7.0% for
participants 65 years of age and older, gradually declining to 6.0% for both age
groups in the year 2001. The assumed HMO health care cost trend in 1996 was 8.0%
for participants less than 65 years of age and 5.0% for participants 65 years of
age and older, gradually declining to  6.0% and 5.0%, respectively, in the  year
1998.
 
    The  weighted  average discount  rate  used in  determining  the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation was 7.0% in 1995 and 8.0% in 1994. The rate of
increase in compensation  used in determining  the obligation was  4.0% in  both
1995 and 1994.
 
    If  the health care cost trend rate  assumptions were increased by 1.0%, the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as  of December 31, 1995 would  be
increased  by 3.6%. The effect of this change on the sum of the service cost and
interest cost would be an increase of 3.0%.
 
    Effective January 1, 1996, Hexcel amended its postretirement benefit program
to eliminate any  benefits for employees  hired after December  31, 1995  (other
than  certain former employees of the Ciba Composites Business hired on February
29, 1996),  and  to  limit  health care  benefit  coverage  to  selected  health
insurance plans for the majority of active employees hired on or before December
31,  1995. These  amendments are  expected to  reduce the  Company's accumulated
postretirement  benefit  obligation  by  approximately  $1,600,  which  will  be
recognized  as a reduction  in future benefit  expense on a  straight line basis
over 14 years.
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 16 -- INCOME TAXES
 
NET OPERATING LOSS CARRYFORWARDS
 
    As of  December  31,  1995,  the Company  had  net  operating  loss  ("NOL")
carryforwards  for U.S. federal income tax purposes of approximately $65,000 and
net operating  loss  carryforwards  for international  income  tax  purposes  of
approximately  $5,000. The U.S. NOL carryforwards, which are available to offset
future taxable income, expire at various dates through the year 2010.
 
    As a result of  the ownership change which  occurred in connection with  the
Reorganization  Plan  (see  Note 4),  a  limitation  on the  utilization  of NOL
carryforwards in  the  U.S.  was created.  This  utilization  limitation,  which
applies  to loss carryforwards generated prior to February 9, 1995, is estimated
to be approximately $5,000 per year. As a result of the acquisition of the  Ciba
Composites  Business (see Notes 2 and 3),  a second successive limitation on the
utilization of NOL carryforwards in the U.S. has been created. This  utilization
limitation,  which applies to  loss carryforwards generated  between February 9,
1995 and February 29, 1996, is  estimated to be approximately $12,000 per  year.
Under  U.S. federal  tax law,  NOL carryforwards  are utilized  in the  order of
successive limitations. Consequently, the NOL carryforwards subject to the first
annual limitation  may be  utilized to  reduce future  taxable income  of up  to
$5,000  per  year,  and  the  NOL carryforwards  subject  to  the  second annual
limitation may then be utilized to reduce future taxable income of up to $12,000
per year.  The  aggregate  utilization  of NOL  carryforwards  subject  to  both
limitations may not exceed $12,000 annually.
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
    The  Company adopted  Statement of  Financial Accounting  Standards No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes," effective January 1, 1993. The cumulative  effect
of adopting SFAS 109 was the recognition of $4,500 of income, which was recorded
in  the first quarter of 1993. In connection  with the adoption of SFAS 109, the
Company established a valuation allowance of $4,693 against its deferred  income
tax assets.
 
    During  1993,  substantial uncertainty  developed as  to the  realization of
Hexcel's deferred income  tax assets.  As a  result, the  Company increased  the
valuation  allowance  against  its  deferred  income  tax  assets,  reducing the
recorded value of those assets to zero. The increase to the valuation  allowance
reflected   the   Company's  assessment   that  the   bankruptcy  reorganization
proceedings of  Hexcel  and substantial  operating  losses had  jeopardized  the
realization of deferred income tax assets.
 
    In  1994 and  1995, Hexcel  continued to reserve  for the  income tax assets
generated by  the  pre-tax  losses  of certain  subsidiaries.  As  a  result  of
settlements  of various  tax audits, state  income taxes and  taxable income for
certain European subsidiaries, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes
of $3,586 in  1994. As a  result of state  income taxes and  taxable income  for
certain European subsidiaries, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes
of $3,313 in 1995.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 16 -- INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    Income  (loss) before  income taxes and  the tax provision  for income taxes
from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and  1993
were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1995        1994        1993
                                                                      ---------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                   <C>        <C>         <C>
Income (loss) before income taxes:
  United States.....................................................  $  (1,027) $  (24,745) $  (58,554)
  International.....................................................      7,541         251     (15,294)
                                                                      ---------  ----------  ----------
    Total income (loss) before income taxes.........................  $   6,514  $  (24,494) $  (73,848)
                                                                      ---------  ----------  ----------
                                                                      ---------  ----------  ----------
Benefit (provision) for income taxes:
Current:
  U.S...............................................................  $    (197) $      (85) $     (243)
  International.....................................................     (3,445)        108        (976)
                                                                      ---------  ----------  ----------
    Current benefit (provision) for income taxes....................     (3,642)         23      (1,219)
                                                                      ---------  ----------  ----------
                                                                      ---------  ----------  ----------
Deferred:
  U.S...............................................................     --          (2,226)     (6,590)
  International.....................................................        329      (1,383)      1,785
                                                                      ---------  ----------  ----------
    Deferred benefit (provision) for income taxes...................        329      (3,609)     (4,805)
                                                                      ---------  ----------  ----------
    Total provision for income taxes................................  $  (3,313) $   (3,586) $   (6,024)
                                                                      ---------  ----------  ----------
                                                                      ---------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    A  reconciliation of the tax provision  to the U.S. federal statutory income
tax rate of 34% for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 was:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1995       1994        1993
                                                                       ---------  ---------  ----------
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
Benefit (provision) at U.S. federal statutory rate...................  $  (2,215) $   8,328  $   25,108
U.S. state taxes, less federal tax benefit...........................        254       (244)       (104)
Impact of different international tax rates, adjustments to income
 tax accruals and other..............................................       (492)    (3,837)      5,471
Valuation allowance..................................................       (860)    (7,833)    (36,499)
                                                                       ---------  ---------  ----------
    Total provision for income taxes.................................  $  (3,313) $  (3,586) $   (6,024)
                                                                       ---------  ---------  ----------
                                                                       ---------  ---------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company paid income taxes  of $3,864 in 1995, $253  in 1994 and $203  in
1993.  The  Company has  made  no U.S.  income  tax provision  for approximately
$27,000 of undistributed earnings of  international subsidiaries as of  December
31,  1995.  Such  earnings  are considered  to  be  permanently  reinvested. The
additional U.S. income tax on these earnings, if repatriated, would be offset in
part by foreign tax credits.
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 16 -- INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
 
    Deferred  income  taxes  result  from  temporary  differences  between   the
recognition  of items for income tax  purposes and financial reporting purposes.
Principal temporary differences as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1995        1994
                                                                              ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                           <C>         <C>
Accelerated depreciation and amortization...................................  $   10,473  $   15,443
Accrued restructuring charges...............................................        (655)    (14,382)
Net operating loss carryforwards............................................     (27,562)    (10,880)
Reserves and other, net.....................................................     (30,309)    (37,045)
Valuation allowance.........................................................      50,006      49,146
                                                                              ----------  ----------
    Deferred tax liability (see Note 17)....................................  $    1,953  $    2,282
                                                                              ----------  ----------
                                                                              ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 17 -- DEFERRED LIABILITIES
    Deferred liabilities as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1995       1994
                                                                                ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                             <C>        <C>
Deferred DIC-Hexcel liability (see Note 9)....................................  $   3,500     --
Deferred pension and retirement liability (see Note 14).......................      2,431  $   2,820
Deferred postretirement benefit liability (see Note 15).......................     13,951     13,608
Deferred tax liability (see Note 16)..........................................      1,953      2,282
Other.........................................................................      5,566      2,569
                                                                                ---------  ---------
    Deferred liabilities......................................................  $  27,401  $  21,279
                                                                                ---------  ---------
                                                                                ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 18 -- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN
 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
    On February 21,  1996, Hexcel's  shareholders approved an  amendment to  the
Company's  Certificate  of  Incorporation increasing  the  number  of authorized
shares of Hexcel common stock from 40,000 to 100,000. On February 29, 1996,  the
Company  issued 18,022 shares of Hexcel common  stock to Ciba in connection with
the acquisition of the Ciba Composites  Business. As a result, Ciba owned  49.9%
of  the total number of shares of  Hexcel common stock issued and outstanding as
of that date.
 
    There are 1,500 shares  of Hexcel preferred  stock authorized for  issuance,
but no such shares have been issued.
 
    Hexcel did not declare or pay any dividends in 1995, 1994 or 1993. The Board
of  Directors suspended dividend  payments beginning in  1993, and such payments
are generally prohibited by the Senior Secured Credit Facility.
 
INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN
 
    On February 21,  1996, Hexcel's  shareholders approved  the Incentive  Stock
Plan. The Incentive Stock Plan authorizes an aggregate of 3,000 shares of Hexcel
common stock for use by the Company in providing a variety of stock-based awards
to  eligible employees, officers, directors and consultants. The Incentive Stock
Plan provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted
shares, and other stock-based awards.
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 18 -- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND INCENTIVE STOCK PLAN (CONTINUED)
    Stock option data for the two years ended December 31, 1995 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             NUMBER OF   OPTION PRICE PER     EXPIRATION
                                                              SHARES           SHARE            DATES
                                                            -----------  -----------------  --------------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>                <C>
Options outstanding at January 1, 1994....................         534    $ 7.56 - 32.06     1998 - 2003
Options granted...........................................      --              --                --
Options exercised.........................................      --              --                --
Options expired or canceled...............................         (66)   $10.44 - 32.06     1998 - 2003
                                                                 -----   -----------------  --------------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1994..................         468    $ 7.56 - 32.06     1998 - 2003
Options granted...........................................         787    $ 4.75 -  6.38     2000 - 2005
Options exercised.........................................          (1)        $7.56             2000
Options expired or canceled...............................        (240)   $ 6.38 - 32.06     1998 - 2003
                                                                 -----   -----------------  --------------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1995..................       1,014    $ 4.75 - 32.06     1998 - 2005
                                                                 -----   -----------------  --------------
Options exercisable at December 31, 1995..................         251    $ 9.13 - 32.06     1998 - 2003
                                                                 -----   -----------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
    The options granted during 1995 become exercisable in increments in 1996 and
1997. An additional  1,115 options primarily  at exercise prices  of $12.50  per
share  were granted on February 29 and March 1, 1996. Included in this total are
228 short-term options which expire 90 days after the grant date. The holders of
the short-term options are entitled  to receive two additional "reload"  options
for  each short-term option  exercised. Consequently, as  many as 456 additional
options could be granted during  the 90 day period  beginning March 1, 1996,  in
connection  with the exercise  of short-term options.  Except for the short-term
options, the options granted on February 29 and March 1, 1996 become exercisable
in increments through 1999, and expire between 2001 and 2006.
 
    As of December 31, 1995 and 1994, the Company had outstanding a total of  10
and  24  shares  of restricted  stock,  respectively, which  vest  in increments
through 1997. The holders  of these shares are  entitled to vote. An  additional
269  shares of performance accelerated restricted stock ("PARS") were granted in
March 1996. The  PARS vest in  increments through 2003,  subject to  accelerated
vesting under certain circumstances.
 
NOTE 19 -- CONTINGENCIES
    Hexcel  is involved in litigation, investigations  and claims arising out of
the conduct of its business,  including those relating to government  contracts,
commercial  transactions,  and  environmental, health  and  safety  matters. The
Company estimates its liabilities resulting from such matters based on a variety
of  factors,  including  outstanding  legal  claims  and  proposed  settlements,
assessments   by  internal  and  external   counsel  of  pending  or  threatened
litigation, and  assessments  by  environmental  engineers  and  consultants  of
potential  environmental  liabilities  and  remediation  costs.  Such  estimates
incorporate insignificant  amounts  for  probable  recoveries  under  applicable
insurance  policies but exclude counterclaims  against other third parties. Such
estimates are not  discounted to  reflect the  time value  of money  due to  the
uncertainty  in estimating the timing of the expenditures, which may extend over
several years.  Although it  is  impossible to  determine  the level  of  future
expenditures  for legal,  environmental and related  matters with  any degree of
certainty, it is management's opinion,  based on available information, that  it
is  unlikely that these matters,  individually or in the  aggregate, will have a
material adverse effect  on the  consolidated financial position  or results  of
operations of the Company.
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 19 -- CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
U.S. GOVERNMENT CLAIMS
 
    Hexcel, as a defense subcontractor, is subject to U.S. government audits and
reviews  of  negotiations,  performance,  cost  classifications,  accounting and
general practices relating to government  contracts. The Defense Contract  Audit
Agency  ("DCAA") reviews  cost accounting  and business  practices of government
contractors and  subcontractors  including the  Company.  The Company  has  been
engaged  in discussions on a number of cost accounting issues which could result
in claims by the government. Some of these issues have already been resolved.
 
    As part  of these  reviews,  the DCAA  has  alleged that  Hexcel  improperly
included certain land lease costs in its indirect rates at the Chandler, Arizona
facility  (the  "Chandler Land  Lease")  and that,  as  a result,  the Company's
subcontracts had  been overpriced  in  an amount  of approximately  $1,000.  The
Company has formally responded to the DCAA that it strongly disagrees with these
allegations.  In February  1996, the Company  received a letter  from the United
States Attorney's  Office, stating  that  it was  considering filing  an  action
against  the Company for violation  of the civil False  Claims Act ("FCA") based
upon the inclusion in the indirect rates of the Chandler Land Lease costs. While
the Company does not agree that there was any violation of the FCA, if the  U.S.
government  elects to pursue such an action and  were it to prevail, it would be
entitled to three times the actual damages claimed plus penalties of between  $5
and  $10  for each  false claim;  the number  of alleged  false claims  could be
significant.
 
LEGAL CLAIMS AND PROCEEDINGS
 
    In  December  1988,  Lockheed  employees  working  with  epoxy  resins   and
composites  on classified programs filed suit against Lockheed and its suppliers
(including Hexcel) claiming various  injuries as a result  of exposure to  these
products. Plaintiffs have filed for punitive damages which may be uninsured. The
first  trial of the  cases of 15 pilot  plaintiffs resulted in  a mistrial and a
retrial resulted  in the  entry of  judgment  in favor  of the  plaintiffs.  The
Company  did not participate  in the trial  due to the  automatic stay resulting
from the Chapter 11 filing. Some of these claims were discharged as a result  of
the  plaintiffs' failure to file  claims in Hexcel's Chapter  11 case. As to the
claims which have  not been  discharged, the Company  has objected  to them  and
intends to proceed with those objections within the Bankruptcy Court.
 
    Hexcel  / MCI, a business unit  divested in 1991, performed brazing services
in the manufacture of flexures under subcontract from Ormond which supplied  the
flexures  to Thiokol. The flexures are used to support a rocket motor housing in
a test stand during actual firing of the rocket. Several flexures cracked  under
the  dead weight of a rocket motor prior  to actual test firing, and Thiokol has
sued Ormond and  the Company  for the  costs of  replacing all  of the  flexures
purchased  ($900) (THIOKOL CORPORATION V. ORMOND, HEXCEL, ET AL.). The automatic
stay in bankruptcy  was lifted in  April 1995 and  the case was  resumed in  the
state  court  in Utah.  Discovery  is ongoing.  There  is no  insurance coverage
available for an adverse court ruling or negotiated settlement.
 
    In November 1995, Hexcel was notified that Livermore Development Corporation
("LDC")  was  asserting  a  claim  for  damages  arising  from  Hexcel's  recent
notification  of its intent to  exercise its option to  purchase certain land in
Livermore, California. LDC contends that  the lease was a disguised  partnership
or  joint venture agreement between  Hexcel and LDC to  develop the property for
residential use. Hexcel  disputes any such  agreement and seeks  to enforce  its
option  to  purchase  under a  written  agreement.  The parties  are  in ongoing
negotiations to resolve this claim.
 
    As the result of the acquisition of the Ciba Composites Business in February
1996, Hexcel assumed certain liabilities including certain legal proceedings.
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 19 -- CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS AND PROCEEDINGS
 
    Hexcel has  been  named as  a  potentially responsible  party  ("PRP")  with
respect  to  several hazardous  waste disposal  sites  that it  does not  own or
possess which are  included on the  Environmental Protection Agency's  Superfund
National  Priority List and/or  various state equivalent  lists. With respect to
its exposure relating to these sites, the Company believes its responsibility to
be de minimis. A total of  249 claims were filed in  the Chapter 11 case with  a
face  value  of  over  $6.7  billion. These  claims  were,  for  the  most part,
duplicative as  a  result of  the  joint  and several  liability  provisions  of
applicable laws and have been categorized into claims involving 19 sites. Claims
involving  8 of  the sites  have been  settled within  the Chapter  11 case. The
Company has been named a  PRP with respect to 6  sites for which no claims  were
filed  in the  Chapter 11 case;  as a  result, the Company  believes any further
claims to be barred. The balance of the sites and their related claims have been
passed through the bankruptcy. The Company's estimation of its exposure at these
sites is de minimis.
 
    Also, pursuant to the New  Jersey Environmental Responsibility and  Clean-Up
Act,  Hexcel signed  an administrative  consent order to  pay for  clean-up of a
manufacturing facility  it formerly  operated in  Lodi, New  Jersey. Hexcel  has
reserved  approximately $2,800 to  cover such remaining  costs and believes that
actual costs should not exceed the amount which has been reserved. Fine Organics
Corporation, the current owner  of the Lodi site  and Hexcel's former  chemicals
business  operated on that  site, has asserted  that the clean-up  costs will be
significantly in excess of that amount. The ultimate cost of remediation at  the
Lodi site will depend on developing circumstances.
 
    Fine Organics Corporation filed a proof of claim and an adversary proceeding
in  the Bankruptcy Court. The court has  disallowed a significant portion of the
claim by denying Fine Organics claim  for treble damages and certain  contingent
claims.  The  remaining claims  are for  prior clean-up  costs incurred  by Fine
Organics and alleged contractual and tort damages relating to the original  sale
of  the business and  site to Fine Organics  totaling approximately $3,200. This
matter is proceeding in the Bankruptcy Court.
 
    In September 1995, Ciba  was named as a  potentially responsible party  with
respect  to the removal  of drums from  a disposal site  that it did  not own or
possess, known as the Omega Chemical Corporation ("Omega Site"). The Omega  Site
is  a spent  solvent recycling and  treatment facility  in Whittier, California.
Ciba has previously notified the  EPA that it intends  to comply with the  EPA's
removal  requirements and has  paid its interim  share of such  removal costs to
date. This  responsibility  was  assumed by  the  Company  as a  result  of  its
acquisition  of  the Ciba  Composites  Business, to  the  extent the  Ciba waste
delivered to  the Omega  site was  from the  operations of  the Ciba  Composites
Business.  This matter is  under evaluation but  is presently believed  to be de
minimis.
 
PRODUCT CLAIMS
 
    In 1993,  Hexcel  became  aware  of an  aluminum  honeycomb  sandwich  panel
delamination   problem  with   panels  produced  by   its  wholly-owned  Belgium
subsidiary, Hexcel S.A., and installed in rail cars in France and Spain. Certain
customers have alleged  that Hexcel  S.A. is  responsible for  the problem.  The
Company  and its  insurer continue to  investigate these claims.  The Company is
also working with the customers to repair or replace panels when necessary, with
certain costs  to be  allocated  upon determination  of responsibility  for  the
delamination. While no lawsuit has been filed, two customers in France requested
that  a court appoint  experts to investigate  the claims; to  date, the experts
have not reported any conclusions. The Company's primary insurer for this matter
has agreed to fund legal representation and to provide coverage of the claim  to
the   extent   of   the   policy   limit   for   one   year.   The   Company  is
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 19 -- CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
investigating  additional  insurance  coverage.  Even  if  additional  insurance
coverage  is  not  available,  management  believes  that,  based  on  available
information, it  is unlikely  that these  claims will  have a  material  adverse
effect  on the consolidated  financial position or results  of operations of the
Company.
 
NOTE 20 -- RAW MATERIALS; SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS; MARKETS
    Hexcel purchases most of the raw  materials used in production. Several  key
materials  are available from relatively few sources, and in many cases the cost
of product qualification  makes it  impractical to develop  multiple sources  of
supply.  The  unavailability  of these  materials,  which the  Company  does not
anticipate, could have a material adverse effect on sales and earnings.
 
    The Boeing Company and Boeing subcontractors accounted for approximately 21%
of 1995 sales, 22% of  1994 sales and 21%  of 1993 sales. The  loss of all or  a
significant  portion of this  business, which Hexcel  does not anticipate, could
have a material adverse effect on sales and earnings.
 
    Net sales by market  for the years  ended December 31,  1995, 1994 and  1993
were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1995         1994         1993
                                                                               -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                            <C>          <C>          <C>
Commercial aerospace.........................................................         45%          47%          42%
Space and defense............................................................         11%          11%          18%
Recreation, general industrial and other.....................................         44%          42%          40%
                                                                                     ---          ---          ---
    Net sales................................................................        100%         100%         100%
                                                                                     ---          ---          ---
                                                                                     ---          ---          ---
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 21 -- BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
    The  Company operates within a single business segment: composite materials,
parts and structures. The following table summarizes certain financial data  for
continuing operations by geographic area as of December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993
and for the years then ended:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1995         1994         1993
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>          <C>
Net sales:
  United States..................................................  $   179,573  $   171,536  $   185,261
  International..................................................      170,665      142,259      125,374
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
    Consolidated.................................................  $   350,238  $   313,795  $   310,635
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes:
  United States..................................................  $     2,912  $   (21,462) $   (55,660)
  International..................................................        3,602       (3,032)     (18,188)
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
    Consolidated.................................................  $     6,514  $   (24,494) $   (73,848)
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
Identifiable assets:
  United States..................................................  $   134,972  $   149,890  $   166,201
  International..................................................       95,630       90,567       84,954
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
    Consolidated.................................................  $   230,602  $   240,457  $   251,155
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
Capital expenditures:
  United States..................................................  $     7,729  $     6,022  $     4,694
  International..................................................        4,415        2,340        1,570
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
    Consolidated.................................................  $    12,144  $     8,362  $     6,264
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
Depreciation and amortization:
  United States..................................................  $     6,528  $     8,455  $     9,607
  International..................................................        5,095        5,775        5,273
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
    Consolidated.................................................  $    11,623  $    14,230  $    14,880
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    International   net  sales  consist  of   the  net  sales  of  international
subsidiaries, sold  primarily in  Europe, and  U.S. exports.  U.S. exports  were
$18,902 in 1995, $14,008 in 1994 and $11,889 in 1993.
 
    To  compute  income  (loss)  before  income  taxes,  the  Company  allocated
administrative expenses to International of $3,939  in 1995, $3,283 in 1994  and
$2,894 in 1993.
 
NOTE 22 -- OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET
    The  Company  recognized $791  of other  income in  1995, including  $600 of
income relating to  the sale  of the Chandler  facility and  related assets  and
technology (see Note 5).
 
    The  Company recognized $4,861 of other income in 1994, including $15,900 of
income relating to the Chandler transaction (see Note 5), partially offset by an
$8,000  provision  for  the  estimated  cost  of  restructuring  or  liquidating
DIC-Hexcel  Limited (see  Note 9)  and a  $2,900 provision  for bankruptcy claim
adjustments. The provision  for bankruptcy claim  adjustments resulted from  the
reconciliation  and  settlement of  certain  claims as  well  as changes  in the
estimate of assumed liabilities.
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 22 -- OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES, NET (CONTINUED)
    The Company  incurred $12,780  of other  expenses in  1993, primarily  as  a
result of write-downs of certain assets and increases in reserves for warranties
and environmental matters on property previously owned. The impairment of assets
was  attributable to bankruptcy reorganization  proceedings, changes in business
conditions, and depressed real estate prices on property held for sale.
 
NOTE 23 -- DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
    The divestiture of  Hexcel's discontinued resins  business was completed  on
October  30, 1995 (see Note 5). The  Company recorded a $2,800 provision in 1994
to write  down the  net assets  of the  resins business  to expected  realizable
value, following a $6,000 charge in 1993.
 
    The  divestiture  of  Hexcel's  discontinued  fine  chemicals  business  was
completed in 1994. The Company recorded a $2,800 provision in 1993 to write down
the net assets of the fine chemicals business to expected realizable value.
 
    Net sales of discontinued operations for the years ended December 31,  1995,
1994 and 1993 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1995         1994         1993
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>          <C>
Resins business..................................................  $     6,944  $    30,691  $    27,933
Fine chemicals business..........................................      --           --             5,704
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total discontinued operations................................  $     6,944  $    30,691  $    33,637
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                   -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Net assets of the discontinued resins business as of December 31, 1994 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 1994
                                                                                               ---------
<S>                                                                                            <C>
Current assets...............................................................................  $   3,970
Current liabilities..........................................................................     (4,591)
Non-current assets...........................................................................      3,621
                                                                                               ---------
    Net assets...............................................................................  $   3,000
                                                                                               ---------
                                                                                               ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
           NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
NOTE 24 -- QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
    Quarterly  financial data  for the  years ended  December 31,  1995 and 1994
were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      FIRST     SECOND      THIRD      FOURTH
                                                                     QUARTER    QUARTER    QUARTER     QUARTER
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
1995
Net sales.........................................................  $  85,155  $  91,023  $   81,366  $  92,694
Gross margin......................................................     14,795     18,055      15,888     18,352
Income (loss) from continuing operations..........................     (2,369)     1,950       1,561      2,059
Loss from discontinued operations.................................       (112)      (185)       (171)    --
Net income (loss).................................................     (2,481)     1,765       1,390      2,059
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------
Net income (loss) per share and equivalent share:
Primary and fully diluted:
  Continuing operations...........................................  $   (0.27) $    0.11  $     0.09  $    0.11
  Discontinued operations.........................................      (0.01)     (0.01)      (0.01)    --
  Net income (loss)...............................................      (0.28)      0.10        0.08       0.11
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------
Dividends per share...............................................     --         --          --         --
Market price:
  High............................................................  $    6.63  $    7.25  $    12.25  $   11.25
  Low.............................................................       4.25       4.50        7.25       8.25
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------
1994
Net sales.........................................................  $  77,682  $  84,964  $   74,434  $  76,715
Gross margin......................................................     11,683     14,165      11,601     10,979
Loss from continuing operations...................................     (5,325)    (4,894)    (15,319)    (2,542)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations........................        301        472      (2,620)       (43)
Net loss..........................................................     (5,024)    (4,422)    (17,939)    (2,585)
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------
Net income (loss) per share and equivalent share:
Primary and fully diluted:
  Continuing operations...........................................  $   (0.73) $   (0.67) $    (2.09) $   (0.34)
  Discontinued operations.........................................       0.04       0.06       (0.36)     (0.01)
  Net loss........................................................      (0.69)     (0.61)      (2.45)     (0.35)
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------
Dividends per share...............................................     --         --          --         --
Market price:
  High............................................................  $    4.25  $    4.00  $     6.00  $    5.75
  Low.............................................................       2.75       3.00        3.00       4.00
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------
                                                                    ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    During the third  quarter of 1995,  the Company recognized  other income  of
$600  relating  to the  sale of  the  Chandler facility  and related  assets and
technology (see Notes 5 and 22).
 
    During the third quarter of 1994,  the Company recorded an $8,000  provision
for  the estimated cost of restructuring  or liquidating DIC-Hexcel Limited (see
Note 9), and a $2,800 provision to write down the net assets of the discontinued
resins business to expected net realizable value (see Note 23).
 
    During the fourth quarter  of 1994, the Company  recognized other income  of
$15,900  relating to the Chandler transaction (see Notes 5 and 22). In addition,
the Company recorded a total of approximately $10,800 in expenses for bankruptcy
claim adjustments, additional interest on allowed claims, and the settlement  of
various tax audits.
 
                                      F-39
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           FOR THE QUARTERS ENDED
                                                                                           -----------------------
                                                                                            MARCH 31,    APRIL 2,
                                                                                              1996         1995
                                                                                           -----------  ----------
<S>                                                                                        <C>          <C>
Net sales................................................................................  $   126,418  $   85,155
Cost of sales............................................................................      (99,635)    (70,360)
                                                                                           -----------  ----------
Gross margin.............................................................................       26,783      14,795
Selling, general and administrative expenses.............................................      (17,482)    (12,166)
Business acquisition and consolidation expenses..........................................       (5,211)     --
Other income, net........................................................................        2,697      --
                                                                                           -----------  ----------
Operating income.........................................................................        6,787       2,629
Interest expense.........................................................................       (3,633)     (2,363)
Bankruptcy reorganization expenses.......................................................      --           (2,125)
                                                                                           -----------  ----------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes.............................        3,154      (1,859)
Provision for income taxes...............................................................       (1,306)       (510)
                                                                                           -----------  ----------
  Income (loss) from continuing operations...............................................        1,848      (2,369)
Discontinued operations: Loss during phase-out period....................................      --             (112)
                                                                                           -----------  ----------
  Net income (loss)......................................................................  $     1,848  $   (2,481)
                                                                                           -----------  ----------
                                                                                           -----------  ----------
Net income (loss) per share and equivalent share:
Primary and fully diluted:
  Continuing operations..................................................................  $      0.07  $    (0.27)
  Discontinued operations................................................................      --            (0.01)
                                                                                           -----------  ----------
    Net income (loss)....................................................................  $      0.07  $    (0.28)
                                                                                           -----------  ----------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES AND EQUIVALENT SHARES............................................       24,685       8,773
                                                                                           -----------  ----------
                                                                                           -----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
                             financial statements.
 
                                      F-40
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         MARCH 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                            1996          1995
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>           <C>
                                                      ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and equivalents................................................................  $      4,675   $    3,829
  Accounts receivable.................................................................       132,076       65,888
  Inventories.........................................................................       111,123       55,475
  Prepaid expenses....................................................................         1,656        2,863
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
    Total current assets..............................................................       249,530      128,055
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Property, plant and equipment.........................................................       311,904      203,580
Less accumulated depreciation.........................................................      (119,675)    (117,625)
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
  Net property, plant and equipment...................................................       192,229       85,955
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Intangible assets.....................................................................        29,230        1,832
Investments and other assets..........................................................        14,736       14,760
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
  Total assets........................................................................  $    485,725   $  230,602
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                       LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Notes payable and current maturities of long-term liabilities.......................  $      6,809   $    1,802
  Accounts payable....................................................................        50,385       22,904
  Accrued liabilities.................................................................        54,737       41,779
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
    Total current liabilities.........................................................       111,931       66,485
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Notes payable and capital lease obligations, less current maturities..................       112,111       88,342
Indebtedness to related parties, less current maturities..............................        26,170       --
Deferred liabilities..................................................................        40,097       27,401
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
Shareholders' equity..................................................................
  Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, shares issued and
   outstanding of 36,119 in 1996 and 18,091 in 1995...................................           361          181
  Additional paid-in capital..........................................................       257,202      111,259
  Accumulated deficit.................................................................       (68,133)     (69,981)
  Minimum pension obligation adjustment...............................................          (535)        (535)
  Cumulative currency translation adjustment..........................................         6,521        7,450
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
    Total shareholders' equity........................................................       195,416       48,374
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........................................  $    485,725   $  230,602
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
                                                                                        ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
                             financial statements.
 
                                      F-41
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           FOR THE QUARTERS ENDED
                                                                                          ------------------------
                                                                                           MARCH 31,     APRIL 2,
                                                                                              1996         1995
                                                                                          ------------  ----------
<S>                                                                                       <C>           <C>
Income (loss) from continuing operations................................................  $      1,848  $   (2,369)
Reconciliation to net cash provided (used) by continuing operations:
  Depreciation and amortization.........................................................         4,454       2,808
  Working capital changes and other.....................................................        (6,213)     (9,299)
                                                                                          ------------  ----------
    Net cash provided (used) by continuing operations...................................            89      (8,860)
    Net cash provided by discontinued operations........................................       --              436
                                                                                          ------------  ----------
    Net cash provided (used) by operating activities....................................            89      (8,424)
                                                                                          ------------  ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Capital expenditures..................................................................        (2,285)     (2,090)
  Proceeds from equipment sold..........................................................       --               14
  Cash paid for the Acquired Business (a)...............................................       (25,000)     --
  Proceeds from sale of Chandler, Arizona manufacturing facility and certain related
   assets and technology................................................................         1,560      26,694
  Proceeds from sale of discontinued European resins business...........................       --            2,602
                                                                                          ------------  ----------
    Net cash provided (used) by investing activities....................................       (25,725)     27,220
                                                                                          ------------  ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt..............................................        26,544       3,891
  Payments of long-term debt............................................................        (1,092)     (3,993)
  Proceeds of short-term debt, net......................................................           237      18,039
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock................................................           765      41,155
  Payments of allowed claims pursuant to the Reorganization Plan........................       --          (78,144)
                                                                                          ------------  ----------
    Net cash provided (used) by financing activities....................................        26,454     (19,052)
                                                                                          ------------  ----------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents.................................            28        (675)
                                                                                          ------------  ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents.........................................           846        (931)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year...............................................         3,829         931
                                                                                          ------------  ----------
Cash and equivalents at end of period...................................................  $      4,675  $   --
                                                                                          ------------  ----------
                                                                                          ------------  ----------
(a) Cash paid for the Acquired Business:
   Purchase of working capital, other than cash.........................................  $    (71,201)
   Purchase of property, plant and equipment............................................      (109,149)
   Purchase of other assets.............................................................        (1,590)
   Excess of purchase price over net assets acquired....................................       (25,913)
   Assumption of long-term debt and deferred liabilities................................        14,959
   Obligation to issue Senior Subordinated Notes to seller..............................        26,170
   Issuance of 18,022 shares of common stock, net.......................................       141,724
                                                                                          ------------
                                                                                          ------------
  Cash paid for the Acquired Business...................................................  $    (25,000)
                                                                                          ------------
                                                                                          ------------
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated
                             financial statements.
 
                                      F-42
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 1 -- BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
    The  accompanying  condensed  consolidated  financial  statements  have been
prepared from  the  unaudited records  of  Hexcel Corporation  and  subsidiaries
("Hexcel"  or the  "Company") in  accordance with  generally accepted accounting
principles, and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments necessary
to present fairly the balance sheet of the Company as of March 31, 1996, and the
results of operations and cash flows for  the quarters ended March 31, 1996  and
April  2, 1995. The  condensed consolidated balance  sheet of the  Company as of
December 31, 1995 was derived from the audited 1995 consolidated balance  sheet.
Certain  information  and footnote  disclosures  normally included  in financial
statements have been omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities
and  Exchange  Commission.  Certain  prior  quarter  amounts  in  the  condensed
consolidated financial statements and notes have been reclassified to conform to
the  1996 presentation. These condensed consolidated financial statements should
be read  in conjunction  with the  consolidated financial  statements and  notes
thereto included in the Company's 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
    As discussed in Note 2, Hexcel acquired the worldwide composites division of
Ciba-Geigy  Limited, a Swiss corporation ("Ciba"), and Ciba-Geigy Corporation, a
New York corporation  ("CGC"), including Ciba's  and CGC's composite  materials,
parts and structures businesses (the "Acquired Business"), on February 29, 1996.
Accordingly,  the  condensed consolidated  balance sheet  as  of March  31, 1996
includes the financial position  of the Acquired Business  as of that date,  and
the  condensed  consolidated statements  of operations  and  cash flows  for the
quarter ended March 31, 1996 include  the results of operations and cash  flows,
respectively, of the Acquired Business for the period from March 1, 1996 through
March 31, 1996.
 
NOTE 2 -- BUSINESS ACQUISITION AND CONSOLIDATION
 
BUSINESS ACQUISITION
 
    Hexcel  acquired  the  worldwide  composites division  of  Ciba  and  CGC on
February 29,  1996. The  Acquired Business  is engaged  in the  manufacture  and
marketing of composite materials, parts and structures for aerospace, recreation
and  general  industrial  markets.  Product  lines  include  fabrics,  prepregs,
adhesives, honeycomb core, sandwich panels and fabricated components, as well as
structures and interiors  primarily for  the commercial  and military  aerospace
markets.
 
    The  acquisition  of the  Acquired Business  was  consummated pursuant  to a
Strategic Alliance Agreement dated as of September 29, 1995 among Ciba, CGC, and
Hexcel, as amended  (the "Strategic  Alliance Agreement").  Under the  Strategic
Alliance Agreement, the Company acquired the assets (including the capital stock
of  certain non-U.S. subsidiaries)  and assumed the  liabilities of the Acquired
Business other than certain excluded assets and liabilities in exchange for: (a)
approximately 18,022 newly issued shares of Hexcel common stock; (b) $25,000  in
cash;  and  (c)  undertakings to  deliver  to Ciba  and/or  one or  more  of its
subsidiaries, following completion of certain post-closing adjustment procedures
contemplated by the Strategic Alliance  Agreement, senior subordinated notes  in
an  aggregate  principal amount  of  approximately $43,000,  subject  to certain
adjustments (the  "Senior Subordinated  Notes"), and  senior demand  notes in  a
principal  amount  equal  to  the  cash  on  hand  at  certain  of  the non-U.S.
subsidiaries included in the Acquired Business (the "Senior Demand Notes").
 
    As of March 31, 1996, the aggregate principal amount of Senior  Subordinated
Notes  to be issued to Ciba, determined  in accordance with the formula included
in the Strategic  Alliance Agreement,  was estimated  at approximately  $28,300.
However,  the actual aggregate principal amount of the Senior Subordinated Notes
is expected to exceed $28,300, as a result of the pending acquisition from  Ciba
of  certain assets of  the Acquired Business,  including an Austrian subsidiary,
that have not  yet been  transferred to  Hexcel. Pursuant  to the  terms of  the
Strategic Alliance Agreement, the aggregate
 
                                      F-43
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 2 -- BUSINESS ACQUISITION AND CONSOLIDATION (CONTINUED)
principal  amount of the  Senior Subordinated Notes will  be adjusted to reflect
the acquisition of  this Austrian subsidiary  and certain other  assets at  such
time  as  those  acquisitions are  completed.  The acquisition  of  the Austrian
subsidiary is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 1996, and  would
increase  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  Senior Subordinated  Notes by
$9,000,  subject  to  certain  working   capital  and  other  adjustments.   The
acquisition  of the remaining  assets is expected  to be completed  from time to
time prior to February 28, 1997.
 
    In connection with the acquisition of the Acquired Business, Hexcel obtained
a three-year revolving credit  facility of up to  $175,000 (the "Senior  Secured
Credit  Facility") to: (a)  fund the cash  component of the  purchase price; (b)
refinance outstanding  indebtedness  under  certain  U.S.  and  European  credit
facilities;  and (c) provide for the ongoing working capital and other financing
requirements of the Company, including  business consolidation activities, on  a
worldwide basis.
 
    The  pro forma net sales, net income and  net income per share of Hexcel for
the quarter  ended March  31, 1996,  giving  effect to  the acquisition  of  the
Acquired Business as if it had occurred on January 1, 1996, were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             3/31/96
                                                                                           -----------
<S>                                                                                        <C>
Pro forma net sales......................................................................  $   178,011
Pro forma net income.....................................................................        1,889
Pro forma net income per share...........................................................         0.05
                                                                                           -----------
                                                                                           -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Comparable  pro forma financial  information for the  quarter ended April 2,
1995 has not been presented, because information as to the Acquired Business for
this period is not available.
 
BUSINESS CONSOLIDATION
 
    On May 9, 1996, Hexcel announced that its Board of Directors has approved  a
plan for consolidating the Company's operations following the acquisition of the
Acquired  Business. This  business consolidation  program, which  is expected to
take up to three years to complete, will result in a 1996 second quarter  charge
against  earnings of  approximately $32,000. The  total expense  of the business
consolidation program is estimated to be approximately $49,000, including $5,211
of expenses  incurred in  the  first quarter  of  1996 and  additional  expenses
totaling  as much as $12,000 that will be recognized after the second quarter of
1996. Cash expenditures necessary to complete the business consolidation program
are expected to total approximately $44,000, net of expected proceeds from asset
sales.
 
    The objective of the business consolidation program is to integrate acquired
assets and operations into Hexcel, and to reorganize the Company's research  and
manufacturing  activities around  strategic centers dedicated  to select product
technologies. The consolidation  program is  also intended  to eliminate  excess
manufacturing  capacity and redundant administrative functions. Specific actions
contemplated by  the  consolidation  program include  the  previously  announced
closure of the Anaheim, California facility acquired from Ciba, the closure of a
portion  of  the  Welkenraedt,  Belgium  facility,  the  reorganization  of  the
Company's manufacturing operations in France, the consolidation of the Company's
U.S. special process manufacturing activities, and the integration of sales  and
marketing resources.
 
    Management estimates that the business consolidation program will take up to
three  years to complete, in part  because of aerospace industry requirements to
"qualify" specific equipment and manufacturing facilities for the manufacture of
certain products. Based on Hexcel's experience with
 
                                      F-44
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 2 -- BUSINESS ACQUISITION AND CONSOLIDATION (CONTINUED)
previous plant consolidations, these  qualification requirements necessitate  an
approach  to the consolidation of manufacturing facilities that will require two
to three years to complete. The consolidation program is expected to reduce  the
Company's workforce by approximately 8% worldwide.
 
    The  $5,211 of business  acquisition and consolidation  expenses incurred in
the first quarter of 1996 includes $3,635 of compensation expense resulting from
stock options that  were granted  in 1995  subject to  stockholder approval  and
stock  options which vested  in connection with the  acquisition of the Acquired
Business. This  compensation expense  is  based on  the difference  between  the
exercise  price of the  stock options granted  and the market  price of Hexcel's
common stock on  February 21,  1996, the  date that  the Company's  stockholders
approved  the incentive  stock plan  under which  the options  were granted. The
recognition of  compensation  expense in  connection  with these  stock  options
resulted in a corresponding $3,635 increase in the additional paid-in capital of
the Company.
 
NOTE 3 -- PROPOSED BUSINESS ACQUISITION
    On  April  16, 1996,  Hexcel  announced that  it  has executed  a definitive
agreement to  acquire  the  Composite  Products  Division  ("CPD")  of  Hercules
Incorporated  ("Hercules"). CPD is  engaged in the  manufacture and marketing of
prepregs and carbon  fiber for  aerospace and  other markets.  According to  the
provisions   of  the  definitive  agreement,   the  Company  will  pay  Hercules
approximately $135,000 in cash, subject to certain adjustments, in exchange  for
CPD.  The proposed  transaction is expected  to be  completed by the  end of the
second quarter of 1996, subject  to certain conditions, including antitrust  and
other regulatory clearances.
 
    In  connection with the proposed acquisition of CPD, Hexcel has entered into
a commitment letter for a new bank credit facility of up to $300,000. Borrowings
under this new credit facility are expected  to be used to fund the purchase  of
CPD,  to refinance certain  existing indebtedness, including  the Senior Secured
Credit Facility,  and to  provide  for the  ongoing  working capital  and  other
financing   requirements  of  the   Company,  including  business  consolidation
activities.
 
NOTE 4 -- INVENTORIES
    Inventories as of March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             3/31/96    12/31/95
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
<S>                                                                                        <C>          <C>
Raw materials............................................................................  $    47,850  $  22,257
Work in progress.........................................................................       36,098     13,688
Finished goods...........................................................................       25,682     17,778
Supplies.................................................................................        1,493      1,752
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
  Total inventories......................................................................  $   111,123  $  55,475
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Inventories as  of  March 31,  1996  included inventories  of  the  Acquired
Business totaling approximately $54,000.
 
NOTE 5 -- INTANGIBLE ASSETS
    Intangible  assets as of March 31,  1996 are comprised primarily of goodwill
and other  intangible assets  attributable to  the acquisition  of the  Acquired
Business  on February  29, 1996.  Substantially all  such assets  are subject to
amortization over a  period of 20  years. The gross  value of intangible  assets
attributable to the acquisition of the Acquired Business is expected to increase
subsequent  to March 31, 1996, primarily as  a result of the pending acquisition
from Ciba of  certain assets of  the Acquired  Business that have  not yet  been
transferred  to  Hexcel and  the recognition  of certain  costs of  the business
consolidation program.
 
                                      F-45
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 6 -- NOTES PAYABLE, CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS AND INDEBTEDNESS TO RELATED
PARTIES
    Notes payable, capital lease obligations and indebtedness to related parties
as of March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             3/31/96    12/31/95
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
<S>                                                                                        <C>          <C>
Senior Secured Credit Facility...........................................................  $    69,836     --
U.S. revolving credit facility...........................................................      --       $  30,091
European credit facilities and notes payable.............................................        4,851     18,064
Obligation to issue Senior Subordinated Notes payable to Ciba, net of discount...........       26,170     --
Obligation to issue Senior Demand Notes payable to Ciba..................................        2,099     --
7% convertible subordinated debentures, due 2011.........................................       25,625     25,625
Obligations under IDRB variable rate demand notes, due through 2024, net.................       11,990     11,990
Capital lease obligations................................................................        3,215      3,217
Various U.S. notes payable, due through 2007.............................................        1,304      1,157
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
Total notes payable, capital lease obligations and indebtedness to related parties.......  $   145,090  $  90,144
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
 
Notes payable and current maturities of long-term liabilities............................  $     6,809  $   1,802
Notes payable and capital lease obligations, less current maturities.....................      112,111     88,342
Indebtedness to related parties, less current maturities.................................       26,170     --
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
Total notes payable, capital lease obligations and indebtedness to related parties.......  $   145,090  $  90,144
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
                                                                                           -----------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
SENIOR SECURED CREDIT FACILITY
 
    In connection with the acquisition of the Acquired Business, Hexcel obtained
the Senior Secured  Credit Facility  on February  29, 1996.  The Senior  Secured
Credit  Facility is  a three-year  revolving credit  facility of  up to $175,000
which is available to: (a) fund the $25,000 cash component of the purchase price
paid for the  Acquired Business;  (b) refinance  outstanding indebtedness  under
certain  U.S. and  European credit facilities;  and (c) provide  for the ongoing
working capital  and  other financing  requirements  of the  Company,  including
business  consolidation  activities, on  a worldwide  basis. The  Senior Secured
Credit Facility has replaced  certain U.S. and  European credit facilities  that
were available to the Company and in use as of December 31, 1995.
 
    Interest  on outstanding borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facility
is computed  at an  annual  rate of  0.4% in  excess  of the  applicable  London
interbank  rate  or,  at  the  option  of  Hexcel,  at  the  base  rate  of  the
administrative agent for  the lenders.  In addition, the  Senior Secured  Credit
Facility  is subject to a commitment fee  of approximately 0.2% per annum on the
unused portion of  the facility and  a letter of  credit fee of  up to 0.5%  per
annum on the outstanding face amount of letters of credit.
 
    The  Senior  Secured Credit  Facility is  secured  by a  pledge of  stock of
certain of Hexcel's subsidiaries. In addition, the Company is subject to various
financial covenants and restrictions under  the Senior Secured Credit  Facility,
as more fully described in the Company's 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
OBLIGATION TO ISSUE SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYABLE TO CIBA-GEIGY
 
    In  connection with  the acquisition  of the  Acquired Business,  Hexcel has
undertaken to deliver to Ciba and/or one or more of its subsidiaries the  Senior
Subordinated Notes. The Senior Subordinated
 
                                      F-46
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 6 -- NOTES PAYABLE, CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS AND INDEBTEDNESS TO RELATED
PARTIES (CONTINUED)
Notes,  which will  be issued following  the completion  of certain post-closing
adjustment procedures contemplated by the Strategic Alliance Agreement, will  be
general  unsecured  obligations of  the  Company. As  discussed  in Note  2, the
aggregate principal amount of  Senior Subordinated Notes to  be issued to  Ciba,
determined   in   accordance  with   the   Strategic  Alliance   Agreement,  was
approximately $28,300  as  of March  31,  1996. However,  the  actual  aggregate
principal  amount of  the Senior Subordinated  Notes is expected  to exceed this
amount as a result of the pending acquisition of certain assets of the  Acquired
Business that have not yet been transferred to the Company.
 
    As  of March 31, 1996, the fair value  of the obligation to issue the Senior
Subordinated Notes  was  $26,170,  which  is $2,130  lower  than  the  aggregate
principal  amount as of that  date. The $2,130 discount  reflects the absence of
certain call protection  provisions from  the terms of  the Senior  Subordinated
Notes  and  the  difference  between  the stated  interest  rate  on  the Senior
Subordinated Notes  and  the  estimated  market rate  for  debt  obligations  of
comparable  quality and maturity. The Senior  Subordinated Notes are expected to
bear interest for three years at a rate of 7.5% per annum, payable  semiannually
from  February 29, 1996. The interest rate  is expected to increase to 10.5% per
annum on the third anniversary of the acquisition of the Acquired Business,  and
by  an additional 0.5%  per year thereafter until  the Senior Subordinated Notes
mature in the year  2003. The payment  of principal and  interest on the  Senior
Subordinated Notes will be subordinate to the Senior Secured Credit Facility.
 
    As  of March 31, 1996, Ciba owned approximately 49.9% of Hexcel's issued and
outstanding common stock, and four of  the Company's ten directors were  members
of  Ciba management. Accordingly,  the Company's obligation  to issue the Senior
Subordinated Notes has been classified  as "Indebtedness to related parties"  in
the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 1996.
 
OBLIGATION TO ISSUE SENIOR DEMAND NOTES PAYABLE TO CIBA-GEIGY
 
    Under  the terms of  the Strategic Alliance  Agreement, the cash  on hand at
certain of  the non-U.S.  subsidiaries  included in  the Acquired  Business  was
acquired  by Hexcel in exchange for an undertaking to deliver to Ciba and/or one
or more of its  subsidiaries the Senior Demand  Notes. The Senior Demand  Notes,
totaling  $2,099,  are  expected  to  be  presented  for  payment  shortly after
issuance.
 
NOTE 7 -- DEFERRED LIABILITIES
    Deferred liabilities  as  of March  31,  1996  and December  31,  1995  were
comprised  primarily of various pension,  retirement and post-retirement benefit
liabilities, as well  as deferred  tax liabilities and  certain other  long-term
obligations.
 
NOTE 8 -- NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    In  addition to a cash  payment of $25,000 and  the obligations to issue the
Senior Subordinated Notes and  the Senior Demand  Notes, the consideration  paid
for  the Acquired Business included approximately  18,022 shares of newly issued
Hexcel common stock. The aggregate value  of these shares has been estimated  at
approximately  $144,200,  based on  a discounted  market price  of $8  per share
multiplied by the number of shares issued. The discounted market price of $8 per
share was based on a  market price of $10 per  share during a reasonable  period
before  and after December 12, 1995, the date that the terms for determining the
total consideration to  be paid by  the Company were  finalized, and a  discount
rate  of 20%.  The 20%  discount reflects the  illiquidity of  the Hexcel common
stock issued  to Ciba  caused by  the size  of Ciba's  holding, the  contractual
restrictions on transferring
 
                                      F-47
<PAGE>
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
NOTE 8 -- NON-CASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
such  shares and, accordingly, limitations on  the price Ciba could realize, the
contractual limitation on  the per  share price  Ciba could  realize in  certain
types  of transactions,  the fact that  such shares  are "restricted securities"
within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, and various other factors.
 
NOTE 9 -- OTHER INCOME, NET
    Other income  of $2,697  in the  quarter ended  March 31,  1996 was  largely
attributable  to the receipt of an additional  $1,560 of cash in connection with
the disposition  of the  Chandler, Arizona  manufacturing facility  and  certain
related  assets and technology in 1994, and to the partial settlement for $1,054
of a claim arising from the sale of certain assets in 1991.
 
NOTE 10 -- BANKRUPTCY REORGANIZATION
    On January 12,  1995, the United  States Bankruptcy Court  for the  Northern
District  of California entered  an order dated January  10, 1995 confirming the
First Amended Plan  of Reorganization  (the "Reorganization  Plan") proposed  by
Hexcel  and  the  Official Committee  of  Equity Security  Holders  (the "Equity
Committee"). On February 9, 1995,  the Reorganization Plan became effective  and
Hexcel emerged from the bankruptcy reorganization proceedings which had begun on
December  6, 1993, when Hexcel  filed a voluntary petition  for relief under the
provisions of Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy laws.
 
    The Reorganization Plan which became effective on February 9, 1995 provided,
among other things, for the reinstatement or payment in full, with interest,  of
all allowed claims, including prepetition accounts payable and notes payable. On
February  9, 1995, Hexcel  paid $78,144 in prepetition  claims and interest, and
reinstated another $60,575 in prepetition liabilities. The payment of claims and
interest was financed with: (a) cash  proceeds of $26,694 received in the  first
quarter  of 1995 from the sale  of the Company's Chandler, Arizona manufacturing
facility and related assets and technology; (b) cash proceeds of $2,602 received
in the first  quarter of 1995  from the  sale of the  Company's European  resins
business;  (c) the  $50,000 in  cash received  from Mutual  Series Fund  Inc. in
connection with  a standby  purchase agreement  with respect  to a  subscription
rights  offering for additional  shares of new common  stock; and (d) borrowings
under a U.S.  revolving credit  facility. The subscription  rights offering  for
additional  shares of  new common stock  was subsequently concluded  on April 6,
1995, with a  total of  10,800 shares  of new  common stock  having been  issued
between  February 9, 1995 and April 6,  1995. The U.S. revolving credit facility
was subsequently replaced by the Senior Secured Credit Facility on February  29,
1996.
 
    Professional fees and other costs directly related to bankruptcy proceedings
were expensed as incurred, and have been reflected in the condensed consolidated
statement  of  operations for  the quarter  ended April  2, 1995  as "bankruptcy
reorganization expenses." Bankruptcy reorganization expenses consisted primarily
of professional fees paid to legal and financial advisors of Hexcel, the  Equity
Committee  and the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors. In addition, these
expenses included incentives for  employees to remain with  the Company for  the
duration  of bankruptcy proceedings and  the write-off of previously capitalized
costs related to  the issuance  of prepetition  debt, as  required by  generally
accepted  accounting  principles. The  resolution of  certain bankruptcy-related
issues, including the final settlement of disputed claims and professional fees,
resulted  in  bankruptcy  reorganization  expenses  being  incurred  after   the
effective date of the Reorganization Plan.
 
                                      F-48
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors
Ciba-Geigy Limited
 
We  have audited the accompanying combined  balance sheets of Ciba Composites (a
division of  Ciba-Geigy Limited)  as of  December  31, 1995  and 1994,  and  the
related  combined statements of  operations, owner's equity,  and cash flows for
each of the three years in the  period ended December 31, 1995. These  financial
statements   are   the   responsibility  of   the   Company's   management.  Our
responsibility is to express an opinion  on these financial statements based  on
our audits.
 
We   conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to  obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also  includes
assessing  the  accounting principles  used  and significant  estimates  made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In  our opinion, the  financial statements referred to  above present fairly, in
all material respects, the combined financial position of Ciba Composites as  of
December  31, 1995 and 1994, and the  combined results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
As discussed in Note 10 to the combined financial statements, in 1993, the  U.S.
Group  Company  changed its  methods of  accounting for  postretirement benefits
other than pensions and for postemployment benefits.
 
/s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Stamford, Connecticut
February 29, 1996
 
                                      F-49
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
                            COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
                                    ASSETS:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                       ------------------------
                                                                                          1995         1994
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                    <C>          <C>
Current assets:
  Cash...............................................................................  $     8,412  $     7,990
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,291 and $3,378 in
   1995 and 1994, respectively.......................................................       58,799       53,024
  Inventories........................................................................       60,337       66,672
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets..........................................        9,957        9,327
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
      Total current assets...........................................................      137,505      137,013
Property, plant and equipment, net...................................................      156,364      161,153
Intangibles, net.....................................................................       42,211       49,143
Other assets.........................................................................        4,214        5,111
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
      Total assets...................................................................  $   340,294  $   352,420
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
 
                                        LIABILITIES AND OWNER'S EQUITY:
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable...................................................................  $    29,611  $    29,249
  Accrued liabilities................................................................       20,259       17,346
  Accrued compensation...............................................................        7,315        7,704
  Short-term debt....................................................................          720        2,730
  Short-term debt due to affiliates..................................................        9,052        5,302
  Current portion of long-term debt..................................................          256          487
  Current portion of obligations under capital leases................................          441          348
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
      Total current liabilities......................................................       67,654       63,166
Long-term debt.......................................................................        1,305        1,775
Long-term debt due to affiliates.....................................................        9,502       37,493
Long-term capital lease obligations..................................................        4,290        4,372
Other long-term liabilities..........................................................       13,626       14,430
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
      Total liabilities..............................................................       96,377      121,236
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
Commitments and contingencies
Minority interest....................................................................        6,968        5,048
Owner's equity:
  Invested capital...................................................................      236,949      226,136
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
      Total liabilities and owner's equity...........................................  $   340,294  $   352,420
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-50
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                             -------------------------------------
                                                                                1995         1994         1993
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
Net sales..................................................................  $   331,073  $   292,611  $   271,258
Cost of sales..............................................................      273,997      249,717      244,247
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
    Gross profit...........................................................       57,076       42,894       27,011
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
Operating (income) expenses:
  Selling, general and administrative expenses.............................       47,540       45,515       47,804
  Research and development expense.........................................       10,426        7,902        5,909
  Amortization and write-downs of purchased intangibles....................        6,930       10,219        5,734
  Restructuring expense....................................................        2,362        1,600        7,722
  Gain on sale of facility.................................................      --            (2,700)     --
  Other, net...............................................................        1,102         (279)         241
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
      Total operating expenses.............................................       68,360       62,257       67,410
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
  Operating loss...........................................................       11,284       19,363       40,399
Other expense:
  Interest expense.........................................................          668        1,193        2,236
  Minority interest........................................................        1,506          891          245
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
      Loss before income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting
       changes.............................................................       13,458       21,447       42,880
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.......................................        5,085        2,843         (962)
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
      Loss before cumulative effect of accounting changes..................       18,543       24,290       41,918
Cumulative effect of accounting changes....................................      --           --             7,077
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
      Net loss.............................................................  $    18,543  $    24,290  $    48,995
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-51
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
                      COMBINED STATEMENT OF OWNER'S EQUITY
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                <C>
Balance, December 31, 1992.......................................................  $ 294,364
  Capital distributions, net.....................................................     (1,547)
  Translation adjustments........................................................     (2,731)
  Net loss.......................................................................    (48,995)
                                                                                   ---------
Balance, December 31, 1993.......................................................    241,091
  Capital contributions, net.....................................................      4,676
  Translation adjustments........................................................      4,659
  Net loss.......................................................................    (24,290)
                                                                                   ---------
Balance, December 31, 1994.......................................................    226,136
  Capital contributions, net.....................................................     26,927
  Translation adjustments........................................................      2,429
  Net loss.......................................................................    (18,543)
                                                                                   ---------
Balance, December 31, 1995.......................................................  $ 236,949
                                                                                   ---------
                                                                                   ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-52
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                              ----------------------------------
                                                                                 1995        1994        1993
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
Net loss....................................................................  $  (18,543) $  (24,290) $  (48,995)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating
 activities:
  Cumulative effect of accounting changes...................................      --          --           7,077
  Depreciation..............................................................      14,725      15,868      19,964
  Amortization and write-downs of purchased intangibles.....................       6,930      10,219       5,734
  Minority interest.........................................................       1,506         891         245
  Restructuring provisions and write-downs of property, plant and
   equipment................................................................       2,328       3,924         604
  Gain on sale of facility..................................................      --          (2,700)     --
  Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisition:
    (Increase) decrease in trade receivables................................      (3,787)     (6,009)     16,128
    Decrease in inventories.................................................       8,223       1,272      10,025
    Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets...................       2,116       1,451       3,197
    Decrease in other long-term assets......................................         714       3,739       3,585
    Increase (decrease) in accounts payable.................................        (832)      3,820         178
    Increase in accrued liabilities and accrued compensation................       1,340       4,248       1,061
    Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities......................          13       1,265      (3,450)
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
      Net cash provided by operating activities.............................      14,733      13,698      15,353
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment.......................         417       8,518         576
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment................................     (13,214)     (7,685)    (12,280)
  Acquisition of business...................................................      --          (4,680)     --
  Other.....................................................................      (3,049)     (2,227)     --
      Net cash used in investing activities.................................     (15,846)     (6,074)    (11,704)
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from borrowings..................................................       7,800          56       4,288
  Payments on borrowing.....................................................     (36,619)    (10,415)     (3,636)
  Equity contributions (distributions)......................................      29,822       4,676      (1,547)
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
      Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities...................       1,003      (5,683)       (895)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash.....................................         532         582        (263)
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
      Net change in cash....................................................         422       2,523       2,491
Cash at beginning of period.................................................       7,990       5,467       2,976
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
      Cash at end of period.................................................  $    8,412  $    7,990  $    5,467
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
  Income taxes..............................................................  $      219  $      (69) $      517
  Interest..................................................................       1,514       1,595       2,289
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these combined financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-53
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION
    The   accompanying  financial  statements  include  the  combined  worldwide
accounts of the Ciba Composites Division (the "Division") of Ciba-Geigy  Limited
(the  "Parent" or "Owner"), a publicly-traded  company based in Switzerland. The
financial statements include the  accounts of (1)  corporate entities wholly  or
majority-owned  indirectly  by the  Parent (principally  in the  United Kingdom,
France, Austria and Italy) and  (2) divisional accounts which have  historically
operated  as business units of  wholly-owned, multi-product line subsidiaries of
the Parent, (the  "Group Companies"),  principally in the  United States,  South
Africa  and  Germany. The  United Kingdom  operation  became a  corporate entity
wholly-owned by the Parent effective July 1995. The minority interest represents
a third party's 49.0% ownership of the Austrian corporate entity.
 
    The  Division's   primary   business  is   manufacturing,   marketing,   and
distributing   composite  materials,  including  prepregs,  fabrics,  adhesives,
honeycomb core and fabricated  structural interiors, panels,  and parts for  the
commercial  aerospace industry. Market  segments served by  the Division include
aerospace, sports  and leisure,  marine, surface  transportation, energy  and  a
variety  of  other  industrial  applications.  Approximately  two-thirds  of the
Division's net sales are to the aerospace market.
 
    The  Division's  financial  statements  include  the  assets,   liabilities,
revenues  and expenses which are specifically identifiable with the Division, as
well as  certain allocated  expenses for  services that  have historically  been
performed  by the corporate headquarters of  the Group Companies. These expenses
are allocated using various  methods dependent upon the  nature of the  service.
The   Division's  management  believes  that  these  allocations  are  based  on
assumptions  that  are  reasonable  under  the  circumstances;  however,   these
allocations  are not necessarily indicative of the costs and expenses that would
have resulted if the Division had been operated as a separate entity.
 
    The net cash  position of certain  of the Group  Companies has been  managed
through a centralized treasury system. Accordingly, transfers of cash within the
treasury  system are recorded through intercompany accounts, which are reflected
as a component of Owner's equity in the accompanying Combined Balance Sheets. In
addition, intercompany balances arising from purchase and sale transactions with
other Parent affiliates and allocated charges for services have been treated  as
the equivalent of cash transactions in the accompanying financial statements and
are  included as a component of Owner's equity. There is no direct interest cost
allocation to  the  Division  with  respect to  Group  Company  borrowings,  and
accordingly,  the Combined Statements of Operations do not include any allocated
financing costs. Debt  payable to third  parties and affiliates  outside of  the
Division,  and related interest  expense, is reflected  in accordance with their
terms.
 
    All  significant  transactions  within  the  combined  Division  have   been
eliminated.
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
FISCAL YEAR:
 
    The  U.S. Group Company's fiscal years consist of a fifty-two or fifty-three
week period, ending the last Friday of December. The 1995 and 1994 fiscal  years
consisted  of fifty-two  week periods and  1993 consisted of  a fifty-three week
period for the U.S. Group Company.  The remaining Division entities have  fiscal
years  ending December 31. For purposes of financial statement presentation, all
fiscal year-ends are referred to as December 31.
 
                                      F-54
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
INVENTORIES:
 
    Inventories are stated at  the lower of cost  or market. Cost is  determined
using  various methods including average cost and the first-in, first-out (FIFO)
basis.
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
 
    Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is determined
using the straight-line method  applied over the estimated  useful lives of  the
respective  assets, which range from 3 to  50 years. It is the Division's policy
to periodically review  the estimated  lives of assets  and, where  appropriate,
revise the estimated lives to reflect technological changes in the industry.
 
    Upon  sale  or  retirement  of  depreciable  assets,  the  cost  and related
accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resultant gain or
loss is included in operations.
 
INTANGIBLES:
 
    The excess  of  cost  over the  fair  value  of net  assets  (goodwill)  and
identifiable   intangible  assets  of  acquired  companies  are  capitalized  at
acquisition and  are amortized  on a  straight-line basis  over their  estimated
useful  lives, ranging  from twelve to  forty years. The  Division evaluates the
realizability of intangibles  based upon  the projected,  undiscounted net  cash
flows  related to  the intangibles. The  Division recorded  impairment losses of
$2,809 and  $5,097 in  1995  and 1994,  respectively, for  certain  identifiable
intangibles  which consisted of contracted  manufacturing programs. The loss was
measured using projected discounted cash flows and is included in  "Amortization
and  write-downs  of  purchased  intangibles"  in  the  Combined  Statements  of
Operations.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION:
 
    Revenue is recognized at the time products are shipped.
 
TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES:
 
    The functional currency in all  significant foreign locations is  considered
to  be the local currency. The  translation of the applicable foreign currencies
into U.S. dollars is performed for  balance sheet accounts using exchange  rates
in  effect at the balance sheet date  and for revenue and expense accounts using
an  average  exchange  rate  for  the  year.  Gains  or  losses  resulting  from
translation   are  reflected  in  Owner's  equity.  Aggregate  foreign  currency
transaction  gains  and  losses  are   included  in  determining  results   from
operations.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES:
 
    The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions  that affect the  reported amounts of assets  and liabilities at the
dates of  the financial  statements and  the reported  amounts of  revenues  and
expenses during the reporting periods.
 
RECLASSIFICATIONS:
 
    Certain  amounts  in the  1994 Combined  Statement of  Cash Flows  have been
reclassified to conform to the 1995 presentation.
 
                                      F-55
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
3.  RESTRUCTURING EXPENSE AND GAIN ON SALE OF FACILITY
    In 1995, 1994 and 1993,  the Division incurred approximately $2,400,  $1,600
and  $7,700, respectively, in restructuring charges. These charges are primarily
due to  the consolidation  and downsizing  of certain  facilities and  consisted
principally  of personnel related expenses and  the costs of consolidating these
facilities.
 
    In December 1994, the Division sold  its Miami, Florida facility for  $8,000
in  cash resulting in  a net gain  of approximately $2,700  which is included as
such in the accompanying Combined Statements of Operations.
 
4.  ACQUISITIONS
    In August 1994, the Division acquired certain assets and customer  contracts
from   a  British  Petroleum  Chemicals  Division  for  total  consideration  of
approximately $4,700. The  revenues and  results of operations  of the  acquired
business  are not  significant and  are included  in the  Combined Statements of
Operations from the date of acquisition.
 
5.  INVENTORIES
    The components of inventories are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------
                                                                      1995         1994
                                                                   -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
Raw materials....................................................  $    22,261  $    20,523
Work in process..................................................       33,317       41,492
Finished goods...................................................        4,759        4,657
                                                                   -----------  -----------
    Total........................................................  $    60,337  $    66,672
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                   -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
6.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
    Property, plant and equipment consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------
                                                                      1995         1994
                                                                   -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
Land.............................................................  $    15,436  $    15,150
Buildings and improvements.......................................       91,872       93,020
Buildings and equipment under capital leases.....................        6,251        5,776
Machinery and equipment..........................................      161,047      154,940
Construction in progress.........................................        3,582        1,210
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                       278,188      270,096
    Less, Accumulated depreciation and amortization..............     (121,824)    (108,943)
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                   $   156,364  $   161,153
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                   -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-56
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
7.  INTANGIBLES
    Intangibles consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------
                                                                      1995         1994
                                                                   -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
Contracted manufacturing programs................................  $    11,588  $    20,779
Customer relationships...........................................       25,237       25,237
Goodwill.........................................................       19,005       19,005
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                        55,830       65,021
    Less, Accumulated amortization...............................      (13,619)     (15,878)
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                   $    42,211  $    49,143
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                   -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Intangible  assets  arose  principally  from  the  acquisition  of  Reliable
Manufacturing  Co. in 1979 (goodwill of $3,285) and Heath Tecna Aerospace Co. in
1988. Changes  in contracted  manufacturing programs  in 1995  resulted from  an
impairment  write-down of $2,809 due to reductions in aircraft build rates and a
corresponding adjustment of cost and accumulated amortization of $6,382.
 
8.  DEBT
    Short-term debt includes commercial paper, bank overdrafts, loans and  other
short-term  debt  outstanding in  Europe with  maturities of  one year  or less.
Interest rates for this debt ranged from approximately 5.8% - 11.5% in 1995  and
5.7% - 8.6% in 1994.
 
    Short-term  debt due to affiliates consists  of an overdraft facility at one
of the  Division's  operating units  of  $2,419 and  $5,302  in 1995  and  1994,
respectively,  bearing interest from July 1995 at  the U.K. Bank Base Rate (6.5%
at December 31,  1995) plus  1% and  a short-term  borrowing by  another of  the
Division's  operating units of $6,633 in  1995 bearing interest at Italian LIBOR
(11.2% at December  31, 1995).  Through June  1995, the  overdraft facility  was
noninterest bearing.
 
    Long-term debt consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------
                                                                      1995         1994
                                                                   -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
Mortgage payable in equal quarterly installments through 1999 at
 an interest rate of 6.5%........................................  $       548  $       684
Other............................................................        1,013        1,578
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                         1,561        2,262
    Less, Current portion........................................          256          487
                                                                   -----------  -----------
      Long-term debt.............................................  $     1,305  $     1,775
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                   -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-57
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
8.  DEBT (CONTINUED)
    Long-term debt to affiliates consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                   ------------------------
                                                                      1995         1994
                                                                   -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
Loans payable, due in 1998, at floating interest rates based on
 the six-month French LIBOR rate.................................  $     9,502  $     8,697
Loan payable, with no stated maturity date or interest rate......      --             4,317
Loan payable, with no stated maturity date, at a floating
 interest rate based on the three-month Italian LIBOR rate.......      --             2,175
Advances from affiliate, with no stated maturity date or interest
 rate............................................................      --            22,304
                                                                   -----------  -----------
    Long-term debt to affiliates.................................  $     9,502  $    37,493
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                   -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The six-month French LIBOR rate at December 31, 1995 was 6.3%.
 
    Aggregate maturities of Long-term debt at December 31, 1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   AFFILIATES      OTHER
                                                                   -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
1996.............................................................  $   --       $       256
1997.............................................................      --               546
1998.............................................................        9,502          367
1999.............................................................      --               310
2000.............................................................      --                82
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                   $     9,502  $     1,561
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                   -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
9.  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
    Approximately  20 percent  of the United  States employees  participate in a
separate  trusteed  pension  plan  (the  "U.S.  Plan").  The  U.S.  Plan  is   a
noncontributory   defined  benefit   pension  plan   covering  certain  salaried
employees. Benefits are based on employees' years of service and average of  the
highest consecutive five years' compensation in the ten years before retirement.
The  U.S.  Group  Company's  funding  policy  is  to  make  the  minimum  annual
contribution required by applicable regulators.
 
    Net periodic  pension  cost for  1995,  1994 and  1993,  for the  U.S.  Plan
described above, includes the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1995       1994       1993
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Service cost -- benefits earned during the period...........  $     503  $     706  $     518
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation...............        621        561        547
Actual return on plan assets................................     (1,931)        (5)    (1,022)
Net amortization and deferral...............................      1,238       (639)       445
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net periodic pension cost...............................  $     431  $     623  $     488
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-58
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
9.  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (CONTINUED)
    The  actuarial present value of benefit obligations and funded status of the
U.S. Plan as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      1995         1994
                                                                   -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>
Benefit obligations:
  Vested benefits................................................  $     6,744  $     4,956
  Nonvested benefits.............................................          394          288
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                         7,138        5,244
Projected compensation increases.................................        2,324        2,002
                                                                   -----------  -----------
  Projected benefit obligation...................................        9,462        7,246
Plan assets at fair value........................................        8,773        7,332
                                                                   -----------  -----------
  Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected benefit
   obligations...................................................         (689)          86
Unrecognized prior service cost..................................          186          200
Unrecognized net loss............................................         (366)        (724)
                                                                   -----------  -----------
      Pension liability..........................................  $      (869) $      (438)
                                                                   -----------  -----------
                                                                   -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Assumptions used  in developing  the projected  benefit obligation  were  as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1995       1994
                                                                       ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>
Discount rate........................................................      7.50%      8.50%
Rate of increase in compensation.....................................      4.50%      5.50%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets.....................     10.00%      9.00%
</TABLE>
 
    The   majority   of   the  remaining   employees   participate   in  various
multi-employer  pension  plans.  These  plans  include  various  pension   plans
sponsored  by  Group  Companies  and  accounted  for  as  multi-employer  plans.
Accordingly, the  Combined Statements  of Operations  include an  allocation  of
$3,516,  $2,502 and $3,414 in  1995, 1994 and 1993,  respectively, for the costs
associated with the  employees who participate  in such plans.  Included in  the
costs  for  1995 is  a curtailment  gain  of $650  related to  certain personnel
reductions. Included in the costs for 1994 is a curtailment gain of $600 related
to the sale of the Miami facility.
 
    Additionally, no assets and liabilities have been reflected in the  Combined
Balance  Sheets related to the various  multi-employer pension plans since it is
not practicable to segregate these amounts.
 
    The Division  also  has  an  Investment Savings  Plan  for  U.S.  employees.
Division contributions to the plan were approximately $374, $450 and $477 during
1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
10. POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
    The  Division  has  various  postretirement  plans  that  provide healthcare
benefits to retired salaried and hourly employees and their dependents.  Certain
of  these  plans  require  employee  contributions  at  varying  rates.  Not all
employees are eligible to  receive benefits, with  eligibility depending on  the
plan in effect at a particular location.
 
    Total  postretirement benefit expense of $628,  $164 and $813 is included in
the Combined Statements  of Operations  for 1995, 1994  and 1993,  respectively.
Included in the expense for 1994 is a
 
                                      F-59
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
10. POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS (CONTINUED)
curtailment  gain of $318 related to the  sale of the Miami facility. Assets and
liabilities have not been reflected in  the Combined Balance Sheets relating  to
Group Company plans, as it is not practical to segregate these amounts.
 
    Effective  January 1,  1993, the  U.S. Group  Company changed  its method of
accounting  for   postretirement  benefits   other   than  pensions   from   the
pay-as-you-go method to the accrual method as required by Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits
Other Than Pensions" ("SFAS No. 106"). This standard requires the accrual of the
expected costs of postretirement medical and other nonpension benefits during an
employee's  period of service. Similar accounting  methods were adopted by other
Division entities prior to 1993. The cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No.  106
as  of January 1, 1993, resulted in a charge of $6,006 to 1993 earnings, with no
related income tax benefit.  The effect of  the change on  the 1993 loss  before
income taxes was additional expense of approximately $422.
 
    Effective  January 1,  1993, the  U.S. Group  Company also  elected to adopt
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 112, "Employers' Accounting  for
Postemployment  Benefits" ("SFAS No. 112").  SFAS No. 112 establishes accounting
standards for  employers who  provide  certain benefits  to former  or  inactive
employees after employment but before retirement.
 
    Previously,  postemployment  benefits,  for  the  U.S.  Group  Company, were
recognized on the pay-as-you-go method. The  cumulative effect of the change  in
accounting  for  postemployment  benefits  was  $1,071,  which  represented  the
unfunded accumulated postemployment benefit obligations  as of January 1,  1993.
There  was no related  income tax benefit  in connection with  the election. The
effect of the change on the 1993 loss before income taxes was additional expense
of approximately $33. Similar accounting methods were adopted by other  Division
entities  prior to 1993. Total postemployment benefit expense was $305, $778 and
$154 for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Assets and liabilities have not been
reflected in the Combined Balance Sheets relating to Group Company plans, as  it
is not practical to segregate these amounts.
 
11. INCOME TAXES
    For  purposes of  the Combined Statements  of Operations,  income taxes have
been provided on a stand-alone basis, as if the Division was a separate  taxable
entity.
 
                                      F-60
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
11. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    The  components  of  loss  before  income  taxes  and  cumulative  effect of
accounting changes and provision (benefit) for income taxes were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                          ----------------------------------
                                                             1995        1994        1993
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
Income (loss before) income taxes and cumulative effect
 of accounting changes:
  United States.........................................  $  (19,469) $  (26,215) $  (32,965)
  International.........................................       6,011       4,768      (9,915)
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                          $  (13,458) $  (21,447) $  (42,880)
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:
  Current:
    United States.......................................  $   --      $   --      $   --
    International.......................................       4,529       1,383      (1,282)
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
      Total current.....................................       4,529       1,383      (1,282)
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
  Deferred:
    United States.......................................      --          --          --
    International.......................................         556       1,460         320
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
      Total deferred....................................         556       1,460         320
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
      Total provision (benefit) for income taxes........  $    5,085  $    2,843  $     (962)
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    The  current  provision  for  income  taxes  for  1995  includes  a  benefit
recognized from utilization of operating loss carryforwards of $302.
 
    The  effective income tax provision (benefit) rate on the loss before income
taxes differed from the United States federal statutory rate for the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                          ----------------------------------
                                                             1995        1994        1993
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
Benefit at the U.S. federal statutory rate..............  $   (4,710) $   (7,506) $  (15,008)
Tax effect of net operating losses not recognized.......       4,225       7,016      14,546
Foreign tax (benefit)...................................       5,085       2,843        (962)
Goodwill amortization...................................         442         442         442
Other...................................................          43          48          20
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
Provision (benefit) for income taxes....................  $    5,085  $    2,843  $     (962)
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                          ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-61
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
11. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
    The tax effects of temporary differences which gave rise to deferred  income
tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                                    ----------------------
                                                                       1995        1994
                                                                    ----------  ----------
<S>                                                                 <C>         <C>
Deferred income tax assets:
  Postretirement/postemployment benefits..........................  $    3,648  $    3,023
  Environmental reserve...........................................       1,651       1,746
  Intangibles.....................................................       1,845         679
  Restructuring reserve...........................................         592         625
  Inventory reserve...............................................         518         621
  Other reserves..................................................       1,793       2,207
  Net operating losses............................................      87,847      87,163
                                                                    ----------  ----------
    Total deferred income tax assets..............................      97,894      96,064
                                                                    ----------  ----------
Deferred income tax liabilities:
  Depreciation....................................................     (11,368)    (11,560)
  Revenue recognition.............................................      (3,153)     (5,106)
                                                                    ----------  ----------
      Total deferred income tax liabilities.......................     (14,521)    (16,666)
                                                                    ----------  ----------
      Subtotal....................................................      83,373      79,398
Valuation allowance...............................................     (84,072)    (79,541)
                                                                    ----------  ----------
      Net deferred income tax liabilities.........................  $     (699) $     (143)
                                                                    ----------  ----------
                                                                    ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    Deferred  income tax assets  of $1,161 and  $1,391 at December  31, 1995 and
1994, respectively, are included in other assets in the Combined Balance Sheets.
 
    Deferred income tax liabilities  of $1,860 and $1,534  at December 31,  1995
and  1994,  respectively, are  included in  other  long-term liabilities  in the
Combined Balance Sheets.
 
    Operating  loss   carryforwards   of   non-corporate   Divisional   entities
(principally  the United  States of  approximately $219  million) have generally
been utilized  to offset  Group Company  taxable income  in the  year  incurred.
However,  for purposes of these combined financial statements, the tax effect of
such operating loss  carryforwards have  been reflected as  deferred tax  assets
with  related valuation  allowances, based  upon management's  assessment of the
Division's  likelihood  of  realizing  the   benefit  of  such  operating   loss
carryforwards through future stand-alone taxable income.
 
    The  Division has  net operating  loss carryforwards  of which approximately
$6,200 and $600 are available to  offset certain future taxable income in  Italy
and France, respectively.
 
    These operating loss carryforwards expire as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                  <C>
1996...............................................................  $     159
1997...............................................................      1,556
1998...............................................................      2,359
1999...............................................................      1,097
2000...............................................................      1,629
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-62
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
SELF-INSURANCE:
 
    The  Division is  partially self-insured for  workers' compensation, general
liability and property  insurance risks, subject  to specific retention  levels.
Self-insurance  costs  are accrued  based upon  the  aggregate of  the estimated
liability for reported claims and estimated liabilities for claims incurred  but
not reported.
 
LITIGATION:
 
    The Division is involved in legal proceedings which are in various stages of
development  and  involve various  uncertainties which  can affect  the eventual
outcome of  the issues.  While it  is  difficult to  predict what  the  eventual
resolution  of these issues will be, the  Division believes, on the basis of the
facts presently  known, that  these actions  will not  have a  material  adverse
effect on the Division's financial condition or results of operations.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS:
 
    In  connection  with  an  acquisition of  one  of  the  Division's operating
facilities, the  Division entered  into  an agreement  with the  previous  owner
whereby  the  Division agreed  to share  in the  operating cost  for groundwater
treatment and  monitoring  facilities  which  had  been  ordered  by  regulatory
authorities  prior to  the date of  acquisition. The Division's  share of annual
cost sharing is estimated  at $250. While the  ultimate period of treatment  and
monitoring  required by regulatory authorities is not determinable, the Division
estimated the  minimum  period at  twenty  years. The  Combined  Balance  Sheets
include  reserves of approximately $4,200 and $4,500 as of December 31, 1995 and
1994, respectively,  related  to these  costs.  Charges against  these  reserves
totaled approximately $300 and $200 in 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
    In   the  normal  course  of  its  business,  the  Division  is  subject  to
environmental regulations in jurisdictions in which the Division has  facilities
and,  accordingly, the Division  may be required to  incur either remediation or
capital improvement costs  in the  future. Management of  the Division  believes
that  the amounts of such costs, if any, will not have a material adverse effect
on the Division's financial condition or results of operations.
 
LEASE OBLIGATIONS:
 
    The Division leases  certain equipment and  facilities under capital  leases
and noncancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through 2012.
 
                                      F-63
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
    Future minimum annual lease payments under such leases are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        CAPITAL    OPERATING
                                                                        LEASES      LEASES
                                                                       ---------  -----------
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>
1996.................................................................  $     725   $   1,818
1997.................................................................        725       1,097
1998.................................................................        333         710
1999.................................................................        333         548
2000.................................................................        333         274
Thereafter...........................................................      5,863      --
                                                                       ---------  -----------
                                                                           8,312   $   4,447
                                                                                  -----------
                                                                                  -----------
Amounts representing interest........................................      3,581
                                                                       ---------
Present value of net minimum lease payments..........................      4,731
    Less, Current portion............................................        441
                                                                       ---------
Long-term portion....................................................  $   4,290
                                                                       ---------
                                                                       ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Lease  expense  was  $2,080,  $1,883  and $1,724  in  1995,  1994  and 1993,
respectively.
 
GUARANTEES:
 
    The Italian corporate entity has  guaranteed $650 of certain obligations  of
an  unrelated  third  party  as sole  guarantor.  Additionally,  the  entity has
guaranteed $824 of obligations of the third  party on a joint and several  basis
with sixteen other unrelated co-guarantors.
 
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK:
 
    The Division operates in one principal industry segment.
 
    In  1995,  1994 and  1993,  one customer  accounted  for 18%,  20%  and 29%,
respectively, of the net sales of the Division.
 
EXCHANGE RATES:
 
    Certain items included on the Division's Combined Balance Sheets originating
from non-U.S.  transactions  are  subject  to  fluctuations  in  the  applicable
exchange rates between the transaction and settlement dates.
 
                                      F-64
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
13. SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995         1994         1993
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
Net sales:
  United States........................................  $   148,919  $   139,831  $   136,141
  Europe...............................................      171,235      143,071      127,469
  Other geographic regions.............................       10,919        9,709        7,648
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
      Total net sales..................................  $   331,073  $   292,611  $   271,258
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Intra-division transfers/sales between geographic areas
 (eliminated in combination):
  United States........................................  $     4,360  $     3,702  $     2,077
  Europe...............................................        9,748        9,702        7,782
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
      Total intra-divisional transfers/sales...........  $    14,108  $    13,404  $     9,859
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Operating loss (income):
  United States........................................  $    19,469  $    26,215  $    32,966
  Europe...............................................       (6,057)      (4,238)       8,523
  Other geographic regions.............................       (2,128)      (2,614)      (1,090)
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
      Total operating loss.............................  $    11,284  $    19,363  $    40,399
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
Identifiable assets:
  United States........................................  $   179,662  $   199,470  $   222,874
  Europe...............................................      156,182      148,476      135,658
  Other geographic regions.............................        4,450        4,474        3,752
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
      Total identifiable assets........................  $   340,294  $   352,420  $   362,284
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Transfers  between geographic areas are  recorded at amounts generally above
cost. Operating (income) loss consists of total net sales less cost of sales and
operating expenses. The  United States' operating  loss and identifiable  assets
include  certain  amounts related  to the  administration of  worldwide Division
operations.
 
    Export sales to unaffiliated customers by geographic area are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995         1994         1993
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
Europe.................................................  $    18,881  $    15,639  $    14,225
North America..........................................       11,824        9,946        7,461
Other..................................................        8,582        6,746        6,123
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                         $    39,287  $    32,331  $    27,809
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    Certain expenses reflected in the Combined Statements of Operations  include
allocated  amounts  of  $2,719,  $2,836  and  $2,048  in  1995,  1994  and 1993,
respectively.  These  charges  are   principally  for  legal,  human   resource,
accounting and treasury functions performed for the Division.
 
                                      F-65
<PAGE>
                                CIBA COMPOSITES
                       (A DIVISION OF CIBA-GEIGY LIMITED)
 
               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
    Through  the normal course  of business, the  Division conducts transactions
with affiliates. Such  transactions in  1995, 1994  and 1993  are summarized  as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995         1994         1993
                                                         -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
Purchases of products..................................  $    11,759  $    12,212  $    10,816
Interest expense, net..................................        1,032          810        1,471
Other expense (income).................................          968          541         (147)
</TABLE>
 
    The  Division purchases certain  raw materials from  affiliates at cost. For
purposes of  the accompanying  financial statements,  a mark-up  above cost  was
added  to such purchases which adjustment  increased the loss from operations in
1995, 1994 and 1993 by $4,192, $4,355 and $3,573, respectively.
 
    Accounts payable  in the  Combined Balance  Sheets includes  amounts due  to
affiliates of $2,849 and $343 in 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
    As  discussed in Note 1, in July 1995, the Parent contributed the net assets
of its United Kingdom Composites Division to a new wholly-owned corporate entity
in the United Kingdom. As part of this transaction, debt of the Division owed to
affiliates amounting  to  approximately  $22,000 was  repaid  and  approximately
$3,900  of  fixed  assets previously  carried  on the  Division's  accounts were
transferred to an affiliate of the Division.
 
    During 1995,  long-term  debt due  to  affiliates approximating  $6,500  was
repaid  with a similar amount  being borrowed from an  affiliate on a short-term
basis.
 
    The Division has various financing arrangements with affiliates as discussed
in Note 8.
 
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
    On February  21, 1996,  the stockholders  of Hexcel  Corporation approved  a
transaction  to combine with the Division. On February 29, 1996, the transaction
was consummated.  According to  the  terms of  the  agreement, the  Parent  will
receive  49.9% of the combined  entity in exchange for  the Division. The Parent
will also receive additional consideration as part of the transaction.
 
                                      F-66
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
 Hercules Incorporated:
 
    We  have audited the  accompanying balance sheets  of the Composite Products
Division of  Hercules Incorporated  as of  December 31,  1995 and  1994 and  the
related statements of operations, division equity, and cash flow for each of the
three  years in the  period ended December 31,  1995. These financial statements
are the responsibility  of the  Company's management. Our  responsibility is  to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We  conducted  our audits  in  accordance with  generally  accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to  obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also  includes
assessing  the  accounting principles  used  and significant  estimates  made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement  presentation.
We believe our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In  our opinion, the financial statements  referred to above present fairly,
in all  material respects,  the  financial position  of the  Composite  Products
Division  of Hercules  Incorporated as  of December  31, 1995  and 1994  and the
results of its operations and its cash flow  for each of the three years in  the
period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
    As  discussed in  Notes 6 and  9 to  the financial statements,  in 1993, the
Company changed its methods of accounting for postretirement and  postemployment
benefits other than pensions.
 
/s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
2400 Eleven Penn Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
February 26, 1996
 
                                      F-67
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
 
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
 
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                             -------------------------------------
                                                                                1995         1994         1993
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>
Net sales..................................................................  $   100,449  $   100,113  $   101,448
Cost of sales..............................................................       83,748       94,786       92,298
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
Gross profit...............................................................       16,701        5,327        9,150
Selling, general, and administrative expenses..............................        2,266        2,888        3,229
Allocated selling, general, and administrative expenses....................        7,086        6,047        6,336
Research and development...................................................        2,184        2,481        2,815
Other operating (income) expenses, net.....................................         (391)       1,670        1,755
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
Income (loss) before taxes and effect of changes in accounting
 principles................................................................        5,556       (7,759)      (4,985)
Provision for taxes on income..............................................      --           --           --
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
Income (loss) before effect of changes in accounting principles............        5,556       (7,759)      (4,985)
Effect of changes in accounting principles.................................      --           --            (3,916)
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
Net income (loss)..........................................................  $     5,556  $    (7,759) $    (8,901)
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                             -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      F-68
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                                 BALANCE SHEET
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                     ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                                       ------------------------
                                                                                          1995         1994
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                    <C>          <C>
Current Assets
Cash.................................................................................  $     2,126  $     4,905
Trade accounts receivable............................................................       17,510       14,923
Less allowance for doubtful accounts.................................................         (401)        (390)
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
  Net Accounts Receivable............................................................       17,109       14,533
Inventories
  Finished products..................................................................       11,813       13,740
  Materials, supplies, and work in process...........................................       13,485       27,225
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
    Total Inventories................................................................       25,298       40,965
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
Total Current Assets.................................................................       44,533       60,403
Property, plant, and equipment
  Land...............................................................................        1,514        1,514
  Buildings and equipment............................................................      187,185      182,494
  Construction in progress...........................................................        6,772        2,231
  Accumulated depreciation...........................................................     (100,456)     (89,459)
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
  Net Property, Plant and Equipment..................................................       95,015       96,780
Deferred charges and other assets....................................................        1,036        1,135
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
    TOTAL ASSETS.....................................................................  $   140,584  $   158,318
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                        LIABILITIES AND DIVISION EQUITY
<S>                                                                                    <C>          <C>
Current liabilities
Accounts payable.....................................................................  $     2,379  $     2,915
Accrued expenses
  Payroll and employee benefits......................................................        5,996        5,177
  Other..............................................................................        3,132        4,631
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
    Total Current Liabilities........................................................       11,507       12,723
Other liabilities....................................................................        1,048        1,276
Minority interest....................................................................      --            12,000
Division Equity......................................................................      128,029      132,319
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND DIVISION EQUITY............................................  $   140,584  $   158,318
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
                                                                                       -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      F-69
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                             STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
                                                                               ---------------------------------
                                                                                  1995       1994        1993
                                                                               ----------  ---------  ----------
<S>                                                                            <C>         <C>        <C>
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)............................................................  $    5,556  $  (7,759) $   (8,901)
Adjustments to reconcile net income(loss) to cash provided from operations:
  Depreciation and amortization..............................................       9,395      9,452       9,522
  Gain on settlement.........................................................      (1,100)    --          --
  Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment.........................          65         43         (34)
  Provision for inventory loss...............................................       1,300      1,561       2,642
Accruals and deferrals of cash receipts and payments:
  Accounts receivable, net...................................................      (2,576)    (2,862)     (1,594)
  Inventories................................................................      12,029     11,020       8,281
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses......................................      (1,216)       156       3,622
  Deferred charges and other assets..........................................          99        (77)        113
  Other liabilities..........................................................        (228)       (33)        103
                                                                               ----------  ---------  ----------
  Net cash provided by operations............................................      23,324     11,501      13,754
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Capital expenditures.......................................................      (8,543)    (1,871)     (1,740)
                                                                               ----------  ---------  ----------
  Net cash used for investing activities.....................................      (8,543)    (1,871)     (1,740)
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Net Parent company capital withdrawals.....................................     (17,560)    (7,351)     (9,540)
                                                                               ----------  ---------  ----------
  Net cash used for financing activities.....................................     (17,560)    (7,351)     (9,540)
  Increase (Decrease) in Cash................................................      (2,779)     2,279       2,474
  Cash, beginning of year....................................................       4,905      2,626         152
                                                                               ----------  ---------  ----------
  Cash, end of year..........................................................  $    2,126  $   4,905  $    2,626
                                                                               ----------  ---------  ----------
                                                                               ----------  ---------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      F-70
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                    STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN DIVISION EQUITY
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1993........................................................  $ 163,220
Net loss..........................................................................     (8,901)
Net Capital withdrawal............................................................    (11,766)
                                                                                    ---------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1993......................................................  $ 142,553
Net loss..........................................................................     (7,759)
Net Capital withdrawal............................................................     (2,475)
                                                                                    ---------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1994......................................................  $ 132,319
Net income........................................................................      5,556
Net Capital withdrawal............................................................     (9,846)
                                                                                    ---------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995......................................................  $ 128,029
                                                                                    ---------
                                                                                    ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                      F-71
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The Composite Products Division (CPD) is a division of Hercules Incorporated
(the Parent). CPD serves worldwide markets for carbon fiber materials (fiber and
prepregs).  These materials are  used to make  structural products. The division
has three  major  operating units  which  include Bacchus  (Magna,  UT),  HISPAN
(Decatur,  AL) and HAESA  (Madrid, Spain). Currently,  the division's geographic
scope is primarily North America, where its largest facilities are located.  CPD
serves  a diverse  customer base which  operate in several  market segments. CPD
sales to the  U.S. Government  represented approximately  22%, 41%,  and 49%  of
total  net  sales  during  1995,  1994, and  1993,  respectively.  CPD  sales to
Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A. (Government of Spain) represented approximately
14%, 12%, and 9% of  total net sales during  1995, 1994, and 1993  respectively.
CPD performs ongoing evaluations of its customers but generally does not require
collateral to support customer receivables.
 
    The  financial statements  reflect the  results of  operations and financial
position of  CPD,  including certain  allocations  by the  parent  company.  All
material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
 
    The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions  that  affect the  reported amounts  of  assets and  liabilities and
disclosure of contingent amounts of  revenues and expenses during the  reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPENDITURES
 
    Environmental  expenditures that pertain to  current operations or relate to
future revenues  are  expensed  or  capitalized  consistent  with  the  Parent's
capitalization  policy.  Expenditures that  result  from the  remediation  of an
existing condition caused by past operations, that do not contribute to  current
or  future  revenues,  are  expensed. Liabilities  are  recognized  for remedial
activities when  the  cleanup  is  probable  and  the  cost  can  be  reasonably
estimated.
 
INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories  are stated at the lower of cost or market. Domestic inventories
are valued predominantly on the  last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Spare  parts,
supplies  and foreign inventories, representing approximately $6,130, and $6,270
in 1995 and 1994, respectively, are valued on the average cost method.
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Property, plant and equipment are stated  at cost. HISPAN and HAESA use  the
straight-line  method, while  Bacchus uses  an accelerated  depreciation method.
Effective January 1, 1993, CPD changed its estimate of the useful lives for  all
processing  equipment. CPD believes  these new depreciation  lives provide for a
better matching of costs and  revenues over the life  of the assets. For  income
tax purposes, accelerated depreciation methods are used.
 
    Maintenance,  repairs,  and  minor  renewals are  charged  to  income; major
renewals and betterments are capitalized. Upon normal retirement or replacement,
the cost of property (less proceeds of sale or salvage) is charged to income.
 
                                      F-72
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (CONTINUED)
INCOME TAXES
 
    CPD is  not  a separate  tax  paying  entity. Accordingly,  its  results  of
operations have been included in tax returns filed by Hercules. The accompanying
financial  statements  include  tax  computations  assuming  CPD  filed separate
returns and  reflecting the  application of  Statement of  Financial  Accounting
Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" for all periods presented.
 
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
 
    Assets  and liabilities of  HASEA are translated  at current exchange rates,
and related revenues and  expenses are translated at  average exchange rates  in
effect  during the period.  Resulting translation adjustments  are recorded as a
component of division equity.
 
2.  SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
    During 1995, CPD was involved in the following non-cash activities with  the
Parent:
 
    - $7,538 of assets relating to claims were withdrawn by the Parent
 
    - $2,000 of fixed assets were contributed by the Parent and
 
    - $10,900  of equity was contributed by  the Parent pursuant to the Parent's
      buy out of the minority interest
 
    During 1994,  $4,437 of  equity  was contributed  by  the Parent  through  a
dividend payment to the minority shareholder.
 
3.  INVENTORIES:
    If  the cost of all inventories had  been valued on the average cost method,
which approximates  current cost,  inventories  would have  been $460  and  $691
higher  than as  reported on  the LIFO  method at  December 31,  1995, and 1994,
respectively.
 
    During 1995 and 1994, inventory quantities were reduced, which resulted in a
liquidation of LIFO inventory layers carried at higher costs which prevailed  in
prior  years. The effect of the liquidations  was to increase cost of goods sold
and decrease net income (increase net  loss) by approximately $6,880 and  $2,570
in 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
4.  PENSIONS:
    CPD  participates in various Hercules-defined benefit pension plans covering
substantially all employees. Benefits are based  on average final pay and  years
of  service. CPD's allocation of amounts credited directly to Allocated Selling,
General and Administrative  expense, based  on the relationship  of CPD's  total
payroll to Hercules' payroll, was $1,034, $215, and $260 in 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively.  Information on the actuarial present value of benefit obligation,
fair value of plan assets, and pension costs is not provided as such information
is not maintained separately for employees of CPD.
 
5.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN:
    An operating unit of CPD has a noncontributory defined contribution  pension
plan  covering  substantially  all employees.  This  operating  unit contributes
amounts equal to 6% of covered  employee compensation up to the Social  Security
Wage  Base and amounts equal  to 5% in excess of  the Social Security Wage Base.
Pension expense for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993 was  $133,
$130 and $150, respectively.
 
                                      F-73
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
6.  OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS:
    CPD  participates in certain defined  benefit postretirement health care and
life insurance programs  provided to retired  Hercules employees.  Substantially
all employees are covered and become eligible for these benefits upon satisfying
the  appropriate age  and service  requirements necessary  for receipt  of these
benefits.
 
    Effective  January  1,  1993,   Hercules  adopted  Statement  of   Financial
Accounting  Standards (SFAS)  No. 106 "Employers'  Accounting for Postretirement
Benefits Other than Pensions."  SFAS No. 106 requires  the recognition of  these
benefit  costs  on an  accrual basis.  Prior to  January 1,  1993, the  costs of
retiree health care  and life  insurance were expensed  as paid.  The effect  of
adopting  this accounting standard has been recognized immediately as the effect
of a change in accounting principle and has resulted in a charge of $3,122.  (No
tax  benefit  was  realized).  This  represents  the  accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation existing at January 1,  1993. CPD's allocated portion of  the
net  periodic postretirement  cost was  $456, $556 and  $746 in  1995, 1994, and
1993, respectively.  The  accumulated  postretirement benefit  expense  and  the
annual  postretirement benefit expense were  allocated based on the relationship
between  CPD's  number  of  active  employees  to  Hercules'  number  of  active
employees.  The  liability  for  such  costs has  not  been  reflected  in these
financial statements.
 
7.  PURCHASE OF MINORITY INTEREST:
    As disclosed in Note 2, the  Parent bought out the minority interest  holder
in  HISPAN for $10,900 in 1995. In  addition, included in other (income) expense
in 1995 is a $1,100  gain related to the settlement  of CPD's claim against  the
minority holder.
 
8.  CLAIMS:
    During  1995, $6,840 of assets relating to  a claim due to a termination for
convenience by the U.S. Government were withdrawn from CPD by the Parent, who is
entitled to the cash receipt of  the claim value. The estimated profit  relating
to these claims of $1,500 is included in CPD sales in 1995. In addition, $698 of
assets  relating to  a damaged  inventory claim were  withdrawn from  CPD by the
Parent.
 
9.  POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS:
    CPD participates in certain  disability and workers' compensation  benefits,
including  medical benefits, provided to  former or inactive Hercules employees.
Substantially all employees are covered  and become eligible for these  benefits
upon  satisfying  the appropriate  age  and service  requirements  necessary for
receipt of these benefits.
 
    Effective January  1,  1993,  Hercules adopted  SFAS  No.  112,  "Employers'
Accounting  for Postemployment Benefits." This statement requires recognition of
these benefit costs on  an accrual basis. Prior  to January 1, 1993,  disability
benefits  and  workers'  compensation  benefits  were  expensed  as  claims were
reported. The effect of adopting SFAS No. 112 has been recognized immediately as
the effect of a change in accounting  principle and has resulted in a charge  of
$794.  (No  tax  benefit was  realized).  The  income statement  impact  of this
accumulated  postemployment  benefit   expense  was  allocated   based  on   the
relationship  between CPD's total number of employees and Hercules' total number
of employees. The periodic postemployment  benefit costs, which are included  in
the corporate cost allocation, are impracticable to determine. The liability for
such costs has not been reflected in these financial statements.
 
                                      F-74
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
    The  financial  statements  include  allocations  by  Hercules  for  certain
corporate administrative  and benefit  costs  incurred for  the benefit  of  all
operating  divisions.  These costs  are allocated  to  operating divisions  on a
variety of methodologies as follows:
 
     a. Specific  identification --  based  on estimates  of time  and  services
provided.
 
     b.  Relative identification -- based  on relevant criteria that establishes
the division's relationship to the entire pool of beneficiaries.
 
     c. Formula  driven --  nonidentifiable  to division  but incurred  for  the
benefit of all.
 
    Corporate  costs include  executive, legal, accounting,  tax, auditing, cash
management, purchasing,  safety,  human  resources,  health  and  environmental,
international, and employee benefits.
 
    Allocated  costs included in selling, general, and administrative costs were
$7,086, $6,047,  and $6,336  during 1995,  1994, and  1993, respectively.  These
allocations,  while reasonable  under the  circumstances, may  not represent the
cost of similar activities on a separate entity basis.
 
11. CASH AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS:
    Certain operating units  of CPD participated  in Hercules' centralized  cash
management   system.  Accordingly,   cash  received  from   CPD  operations  was
administered centrally while Hercules  financed operational and working  capital
requirements  as  well as  capital expenditures.  These  operating units  had no
external sources of  financing, such  as available lines  of credit,  as may  be
necessary  to  operate as  a  separate entity.  The  statement of  cash  flow is
prepared as  though the  cash received  and  disbursed on  behalf of  these  CPD
operating  units  by  Hercules  was transacted  through  CPD.  The  cash balance
represents amounts directly held by two operating units of CPD.
 
12. CAPITALIZED INTEREST:
    As a result of  cash management and funding  practices within Hercules,  CPD
records  capitalized interest on construction  projects. These amounts are based
on Hercules' weighted average interest rate on borrowings outstanding during the
construction periods.  The amortization  of  capitalized interest,  included  in
other operating income and expense for 1995, 1994, and 1993, was $650, $650, and
$650  while the unamortized balance included as a cost of facilities at December
31, 1995 and 1994 was $4,551 and $5,201, respectively.
 
13. TAXES ON INCOME:
    The domestic and foreign components of income (loss) before taxes on  income
are presented below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1995       1994       1993
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
Domestic...............................................................  $   4,604  $  (7,023) $  (4,401)
Foreign................................................................        952       (736)      (584)
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                         $   5,556  $  (7,759) $  (4,985)
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-75
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
13. TAXES ON INCOME: (CONTINUED)
    Deferred tax liabilities (assets) at December 31, 1995 and 1994 consist of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1995       1994
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                <C>        <C>
Depreciation.....................................................................  $  20,689  $  21,415
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
Gross deferred tax liabilities...................................................     20,689     21,415
Net Operating Losses.............................................................    (21,440)   (22,598)
Accrued expenses.................................................................        (24)       (24)
Inventory........................................................................     (3,302)    (4,792)
Accounts receivable..............................................................       (153)      (149)
Deferred Assets..................................................................          0       (176)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
Gross deferred tax assets........................................................    (24,919)   (27,739)
Valuation allowance..............................................................      4,230      6,324
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
Net deferred tax liability.......................................................  $       0  $       0
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
    A  reconciliation of income taxes at the U.S. statutory rate with the income
taxes recorded follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1995       1994       1993
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
Computed at statutory income tax rate..................................  $   1,941  $  (2,716) $  (1,745)
State taxes, net of federal benefit....................................        150       (228)      (142)
Valuation Allowance....................................................     (2,094)     2,942      1,886
Other..................................................................          3          2          1
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
Provision for income taxes.............................................  $       0  $       0  $       0
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                         ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
 
OPERATING LEASES
 
    CPD leases buildings, vehicles, and equipment under various operating leases
with third parties.
 
    Rent expense under operating leases for  the years ended December 31,  1995,
1994, and 1993 was $603, $547, and $540, respectively.
 
SUPPLIER AGREEMENT
 
    CPD  entered into an agreement  with a customer to  supply carbon fiber at a
fixed price. The price is adjusted annually based on inflation and the agreement
expires on March 15, 2000.
 
                                      F-76
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
15. OPERATIONS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA:
    The following table represents operating results and other financial data by
geographic area:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      UNITED
                                                                      STATES       OTHER       TOTAL
                                                                   ------------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                                <C>           <C>        <C>
1995
Net sales........................................................   $   81,447   $  19,002  $   100,449
Profit from operations...........................................        3,587       1,969        5,556
Identifiable assets..............................................      118,219      19,203      137,422
1994
Net sales........................................................       84,161      15,952      100,113
Loss from operations.............................................       (9,456)      1,697       (7,759)
Identifiable assets..............................................      133,744      18,534      152,278
1993
Net sales........................................................       88,894      12,554      101,448
Loss from operations.............................................       (5,891)        906       (4,985)
Identifiable assets..............................................      150,302      16,701      167,003
</TABLE>
 
    The company's foreign operations are primarily in Spain. Identifiable assets
include net trade accounts receivable, inventories, and net property, plant  and
equipment.
 
16. PENDING SALE:
    On  December 20, 1995, a letter of intent was signed by the company's Parent
with a third  party for the  pending sale  of substantially all  the assets  and
liabilities of the company.
 
                                      F-77
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   UNAUDITED
                                                                                              THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                MARCH 31, 1996
                                                                                             ---------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
Net sales..................................................................................       $    22,342
Cost of sales..............................................................................            18,495
                                                                                                     --------
Gross profit...............................................................................             3,847
Selling, general, and administrative expenses..............................................               296
Allocated selling, general, and administrative expenses....................................             1,611
Research and development...................................................................               518
Other operating (income) expenses, net.....................................................               220
                                                                                                     --------
Income (loss) before taxes.................................................................             1,202
Provision for taxes on income..............................................................           --
                                                                                                     --------
Net income (loss)..........................................................................       $     1,202
                                                                                                     --------
                                                                                                     --------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Financial Statements
 
                                      F-78
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                                 BALANCE SHEET
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      UNAUDITED
                                                                                                    MARCH 31, 1996
                                                                                                    --------------
<S>                                                                                                 <C>
                                                      ASSETS
Current Assets....................................................................................
Cash..............................................................................................   $        603
Trade accounts receivable.........................................................................         16,451
Less allowance for doubtful accounts..............................................................           (390)
                                                                                                    --------------
  Net Accounts Receivable.........................................................................         16,061
Inventories
  Finished products...............................................................................         13,228
  Materials, supplies, and work in process........................................................         14,194
                                                                                                    --------------
    Total Inventories.............................................................................         27,422
                                                                                                    --------------
Total Current Assets..............................................................................         44,086
Property, plant, and equipment
  Land............................................................................................          1,514
  Buildings and equipment.........................................................................        188,120
  Construction in progress........................................................................          6,194
  Accumulated depreciation........................................................................       (102,767)
                                                                                                    --------------
  Net Property, Plant and Equipment...............................................................         93,061
Deferred charges and other assets.................................................................          1,027
                                                                                                    --------------
    TOTAL ASSETS..................................................................................   $    138,174
                                                                                                    --------------
                                                                                                    --------------
 
                                         LIABILITIES AND DIVISION EQUITY
Current liabilities...............................................................................
Accounts payable..................................................................................   $      3,979
Accrued expenses
  Payroll and employee benefits...................................................................          3,581
  Other...........................................................................................          2,688
                                                                                                    --------------
    Total Current Liabilities.....................................................................         10,248
Other liabilities.................................................................................          1,113
Division Equity...................................................................................        126,813
                                                                                                    --------------
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND DIVISION EQUITY.........................................................   $    138,174
                                                                                                    --------------
                                                                                                    --------------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Financial Statements
 
                                      F-79
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                             STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    UNAUDITED
                                                                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                 MARCH 31, 1996
                                                                                               -------------------
<S>                                                                                            <C>
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)............................................................................       $   1,202
Adjustments to reconcile net income(loss) to cash provided from operations:
  Depreciation and amortization..............................................................           2,495
Accruals and deferrals of cash receipts and payments:
  Accounts receivable, net...................................................................           1,048
  Inventories................................................................................          (2,124)
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses......................................................          (1,259)
  Deferred charges and other assets..........................................................               9
  Other liabilities..........................................................................              65
                                                                                                      -------
  Net cash provided by operations............................................................           1,436
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Capital expenditures.......................................................................            (782)
                                                                                                      -------
  Net cash used for investing activities.....................................................            (782)
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Net Parent company capital withdrawals.....................................................          (2,177)
                                                                                                      -------
  Net cash used for financing activities.....................................................          (2,177)
  Increase (Decrease) in Cash................................................................       $   1,523
  Cash, beginning of year....................................................................           2,126
                                                                                                      -------
  Cash, end of year..........................................................................       $     603
                                                                                                      -------
                                                                                                      -------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Financial Statements
 
                                      F-80
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                    STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN DIVISION EQUITY
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        UNAUDITED
                                                                                                        ----------
<S>                                                                                                     <C>
BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1996............................................................................  $  128,029
Net Income............................................................................................       1,202
Net Capital withdrawal................................................................................      (2,418)
                                                                                                        ----------
BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 1996.............................................................................  $  126,813
                                                                                                        ----------
                                                                                                        ----------
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Financial Statements
 
                                      F-81
<PAGE>
                          COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION
                             HERCULES INCORPORATED
                    NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  THE COMPOSITE PRODUCTS DIVISION (CPD) IS A DIVISION OF HERCULES INCORPORATED
(THE PARENT).
    The accompanying statements are unaudited and have been prepared by CPD. The
financial statements reflect the results of operations and financial position of
CPD,   including  certain  allocations  by  the  parent  company.  All  material
intercompany transactions have  been eliminated.  In the  opinion of  management
such  financial statements  contain all  adjustments, consisting  of only normal
recurring adjustments,  necessary  to  present fairly  the  financial  position,
results  of operations  and cash  flows for  the interim  periods presented. The
aforementioned  financial  statements  have   been  prepared  substantially   in
conformity  with  the  accounting  principles  reflected  in  the  CPD financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
                                      F-82
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
 
    NO  DEALER,  SALESPERSON OR  OTHER PERSON  HAS BEEN  AUTHORIZED TO  GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS  AND,
IF  GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY  OR THE UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS  DOES
NOT  CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE
SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS  UNLAWFUL
TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS
NOR  ANY  SALE  MADE  HEREUNDER  SHALL,  UNDER  ANY  CIRCUMSTANCES,  CREATE  ANY
IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT  TO
THE  DATE HEREOF OR THAT THERE HAS BEEN  NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY
SINCE SUCH DATE.
 
                                 --------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   PAGE
                                                 ---------
<S>                                              <C>
Available Information..........................          3
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
 Reference.....................................          3
Prospectus Summary.............................          4
Risk Factors...................................         12
Use of Proceeds................................         18
Capitalization.................................         19
Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend
 Policy........................................         20
Pro Forma Financial Information................         21
Selected Consolidated Financial Information....         29
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
 Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations....................................         32
Business.......................................         45
Management.....................................         58
Description of Notes...........................         61
Description of Capital Stock...................         70
Underwriting...................................         73
Notice to Canadian Residents...................         74
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations......         74
Legal Matters..................................         77
Experts........................................         77
Glossary of Terms..............................         79
Index to Financial Statements..................        F-1
</TABLE>
 
                               Hexcel Corporation
 
                                  $100,000,000
 
                                   % Convertible
                                  Subordinated
                                 Notes Due 2003
 
                              P R O S P E C T U S
 
                                CS First Boston
                            Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.
 
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                <C>
Registration Fee -- Securities and Exchange Commission...........  $  39,655
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Filing Fee......     12,000
Printing and Engraving Expenses..................................    200,000*
Legal Fees and Expenses..........................................    150,000*
Trustee Fees and Expenses........................................     10,000*
Accounting Fees and Expenses.....................................    100,000*
Rating Agency Fees...............................................    100,000*
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses.......................................     20,000*
Miscellaneous....................................................     68,345*
                                                                   ---------
    Total........................................................  $ 700,000
                                                                   ---------
                                                                   ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
*  Estimated
 
ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
    Set  forth  below is  a  description of  certain  provisions of  the General
Corporation Law  of  the State  of  Delaware  (the "GCL"),  the  Certificate  of
Incorporation  of the  Registrant, the Bylaws  of the  Registrant, the Strategic
Alliance Agreement  dated as  of September  29, 1995  among Ciba-Geigy  Limited,
Ciba-Geigy  Corporation and the Registrant,  as amended (the "Strategic Alliance
Agreement"), and the  Hexcel Corporation  Incentive Stock  Plan (the  "Incentive
Stock  Plan"), as such provisions relate to the indemnification of the directors
and officers of the Registrant. This  description is intended only as a  summary
and  is qualified in its  entirety by reference to  the applicable provisions of
the GCL, the Certificate of Incorporation  of the Registrant, the Bylaws of  the
Registrant,   the  Strategic  Alliance   Agreement  and  the   Plan,  which  are
incorporated herein by reference.
 
    The Registrant is a  Delaware corporation. Section 145  of the GCL  provides
that  a  corporation may  indemnify  any person  who  was or  is  a party  or is
threatened to be made  a party to any  threatened, pending or completed  action,
suit  or proceeding,  whether civil,  criminal, administrative  or investigative
(other than an action by or in the  right of such corporation) by reason of  the
fact  that such person is  or was a director, officer,  employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or  was serving at  its request in  such capacity at  another
corporation  or  business organization,  against expenses  (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts  paid in settlement actually and  reasonably
incurred  by such person in  connection with such action,  suit or proceeding if
such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably  believed
to  be in  or not  opposed to the  best interest  of the  corporation, and, with
respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe
that such person's conduct  was unlawful. A  Delaware corporation may  indemnify
officers  and directors in an action by or in the right of the corporation under
the same  conditions,  except  that  no  indemnification  is  permitted  without
judicial  approval if the  officer or director  is adjudged to  be liable to the
corporation. Where  an  officer or  director  is  successful on  the  merits  or
otherwise  in the defense of any action  referred to above, the corporation must
indemnify against  the  expenses that  such  officer or  director  actually  and
reasonably incurred.
 
    Section  102(b)(7)  of  the GCL  permits  a  corporation to  provide  in its
certificate of  incorporation that  a director  of a  corporation shall  not  be
personally  liable to the  corporation or its  stockholders for monetary damages
for breach of fiduciary  duty as a  director, except for  liability (i) for  any
breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders,
(ii)  for  acts or  omissions not  in  good faith  or which  involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing  violation of law,  (iii) under Section  174 of the  GCL
(Liability  of  Directors for  Unlawful Payment  of  Dividend or  Unlawful Stock
Purchase or Redemption)  or (iv)  for any  transaction from  which the  director
derived an improper personal benefit.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
    The  Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation  provides for the elimination
of personal liability of a  director for breach of  fiduciary duty, to the  full
extent  permitted by the GCL. The Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation also
provides that the Registrant shall indemnify  its directors and officers to  the
full  extent permitted by the GCL;  PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Registrant shall
indemnify  any  such  person  seeking  indemnification  in  connection  with   a
proceeding  initiated by such  person only if such  proceeding was authorized by
the Board  of Directors  of  the Registrant.  The Certificate  of  Incorporation
further provides that the Registratnt may, to the extent authorized from time to
time  by the  Board of Directors,  provide rights to  indemnification similar to
those provided to the directors and officers of the Registrant to the  employees
and  agents  of  the  Registrant  who  are  not  directors  or  officers  of the
Registrant.
 
    The Strategic Alliance Agreement provides that the Registrant's  Certificate
of Incorporation and Bylaws will continue to contain the provisions with respect
to  indemnification of directors  and officers as  of the date  of the Strategic
Alliance Agreement, which provisions will not be amended, repealed or  otherwise
modified,  for a period of  six years following the  Closing contemplated by the
Strategic Alliance  Agreement (the  "Ciba  Closing") in  any manner  that  would
adversely  affect the rights  of individuals who  at any time  prior to the Ciba
Closing were directors or  officers of the Registrant  in respect of actions  or
omissions   occurring  at  or  prior  to  the  Ciba  Closing,  except  for  such
modifications as  are required  by applicable  law. In  addition, the  Strategic
Alliance  Agreement generally requires the  Registrant to indemnify its officers
and directors as  of the date  of the Strategic  Alliance Agreement against  all
losses  (including reasonable fees  and expenses of counsel)  arising out of any
claim based in whole or in part on  the fact that such person was a director  or
officer of the Registrant at or prior to the Ciba Closing.
 
    The  Registrant maintains, at its expense, an insurance policy which insures
the directors and officers of the Registrant, subject to certain exclusions  and
deductions, against certain liabilities that they may incur in their capacity as
such.  The Strategic  Alliance Agreement provides  that for six  years after the
Ciba Closing, the  Registrant is  generally required to  provide directors'  and
officers'  liability insurance for its officers and  directors as of the date of
the Strategic Alliance Agreement.
 
    Pursuant to the Plan, no member  of the Executive Compensation Committee  of
the  Board of Directors of  the Company or such other  committee of the Board of
Directors as may be designated  by the Board of Directors  from time to time  to
administer  the  Incentive  Stock  Plan  shall  be  liable  for  any  action  or
determination made in  good faith, and  the members of  such committee shall  be
entitled   to  indemnification  in  the  manner  provided  in  the  Registrant's
Certificate of Incorporation.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                                                DESCRIPTION
- ---------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>
   *1.0    Form of Underwriting Agreement among the Company, CS First Boston and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.
    2.1    First Amended Plan of Reorganization dated as of November 7, 1994 (incorporated by reference to
            Exhibit 2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 2,
            1994 and incorporated herein by reference).
    2.2    Strategic Alliance Agreement dated as of September 29, 1995 among the Company, Ciba and CGC
            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on 8-K dated as of
            October 13, 1995).
    2.2(a) Amendment dated as of December 12, 1995 to the Strategic Alliance Agreement (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 2.1(a) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of March 15,
            1996).
    2.2(b) Letter Agreement dated as of February 28, 1996 among the Company, Ciba and CGC (incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 2.1(c) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of March 15,
            1996).
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
   NO.                                                DESCRIPTION
- ---------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>
    2.2(d) Distribution Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996 among the Company, Brochier S.A., Composite
            Materials Limited, Salver S.r.l. and Ciba (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1(c) to the
            Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of March 15, 1995).
    2.3    Sale and Purchase Agreement dated as of April 15, 1996 among the Company, Hercules, Hercules
            Nederland BV and HISPAN Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Company's
            Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1996).
   *4.1    Indenture dated as of             , 1996 between the Company and             , as trustee,
            relating to the Notes.
   *5.0    Opinion of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom regarding the legality of the securities covered
            by this Registration Statement.
   12.0    Statement re: computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
   23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
   23.2    Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
   23.3    Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. (Stamford, Connecticut)
  *23.4    Consent of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (included in Exhibit 5.1).
   24.1    Power of attorney (included on signature page to the Registration Statement).
  *25.1    Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 of         , as trustee, under the Indenture relating to the
            Notes.
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
*  To be filed by Amendment.
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS
 
    (a) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the  Securities
Act  may be  permitted to  directors, officers,  and controlling  persons of the
Registrant pursuant to  the foregoing provisions,  or otherwise, the  Registrant
has  been advised that in the opinion  of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for  indemnification
against  such liabilities (other than the  payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the  Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director,  officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled  by controlling  precedent, submit  to a  court of  appropriate
jurisdiction  the  question of  whether such  indemnification  by it  is against
public policy as expressed  in the Securities  Act and will  be governed by  the
final adjudication of such issue.
 
    (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
        (1)  For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
    each filing of the Registrant's annual  report pursuant to Section 13(a)  or
    15(d)  of  the  Exchange  Act  that  is  incorporated  by  reference  in the
    registration statement shall be  deemed to be  a new registration  statement
    relating  to  the  securities  offered therein,  and  the  offering  of such
    securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering
    thereof.
 
        (2) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities  Act,
    the  information omitted from the  form of prospectus filed  as part of this
    registration statement in reliance upon
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
    Rule 430A and  contained in  a form of  prospectus filed  by the  registrant
    pursuant  to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or  497(h) under the Securities Act shall
    be deemed to be part  of this registration statement as  of the time it  was
    declared effective.
 
        (3)  For the purpose  of determining any  liability under the Securities
    Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus  shall
    be  deemed to  be a  new registration  statement relating  to the securities
    offered therein, and the offering of  such securities at that time shall  be
    deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies
that  it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements
for filing on Form  S-3 and has  duly caused this  Registration Statement to  be
signed  on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
of Stamford and State of Connecticut, on June 12, 1996.
 
                                          HEXCEL CORPORATION
 
                                          By:           /s/ JOHN J. LEE
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                         John J. Lee
                                             CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
                                                 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND
                                                           DIRECTOR
 
    Each person whose  signature appears below  hereby constitutes and  appoints
John  J. Lee, Stephen C.  Forsyth and Joseph H. Shaulson,  and each of them, his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution  and
resubstitution,  for  him and  in  his name,  place and  stead,  in any  and all
capacities, to sign on such person's  behalf, individually and in each  capacity
stated  below, any  and all  amendments, including  post-effective amendments to
this Registration  Statement and  to sign  any and  all additional  registration
statements  relating to  the same  offering of  securities as  this Registration
Statement that are filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of  1933,
and  to  file  the same,  with  all  exhibits thereto,  and  other  documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto
said attorneys-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act  and thing requisite  and necessary to  be done, as  fully to  all
intents  and purposes as  he might or  could do in  person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or either of them, or  their
or  his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
 
    Pursuant to  the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act,  this  Registration
Statement  has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 SIGNATURE                                 TITLE                   DATE
- --------------------------------------------  -------------------------------  -------------
 
<C>                                           <S>                              <C>
                                              Chairman of the Board of
              /s/ JOHN J. LEE                  Directors, Chief Executive
- -------------------------------------------    Officer and Director            June 12, 1996
                John J. Lee                    (Principal Executive Officer)
 
           /s/ JUERGEN HABERMEIER
- -------------------------------------------   President, Chief Operating       June 7, 1996
             Juergen Habermeier                Officer and Director
 
           /s/ WILLIAM P. MEEHAN              Vice President -- Finance and
- -------------------------------------------    Chief Financial Officer         June 12, 1996
             William P. Meehan                 (Principal Financial Officer)
 
            /s/ WAYNE C. PENSKY               Corporate Controller and Chief
- -------------------------------------------    Accounting Officer (Principal   June 12, 1996
              Wayne C. Pensky                  Accounting Officer)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 SIGNATURE                                 TITLE                   DATE
- --------------------------------------------  -------------------------------  -------------
 
<C>                                           <S>                              <C>
          /s/ JOHN M.D. CHEESMOND
- -------------------------------------------              Director              June 12, 1996
            John M.D. Cheesmond
 
           /s/ MARSHALL S. GELLER
- -------------------------------------------              Director              June 12, 1996
             Marshall S. Geller
 
            /s/ STANLEY SHERMAN
- -------------------------------------------              Director              June 10, 1996
              Stanley Sherman
 
           /s/ MARTIN L. SOLOMON
- -------------------------------------------              Director              June 12, 1996
             Martin L. Solomon
 
           /s/ GEORGE S. SPRINGER
- -------------------------------------------              Director              June 10, 1996
             George S. Springer
 
           /s/ JOSEPH T. SULLIVAN
- -------------------------------------------              Director              June 10, 1996
             Joseph T. Sullivan
 
           /s/ FRANKLIN S. WIMER
- -------------------------------------------              Director              June 10, 1996
             Franklin S. Wimer
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-6

<PAGE>
                                   EXHIBIT 12
<PAGE>
                                                          EXHIBIT 12
                                                          PAGE 1 OF 2
 
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
               COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                              -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  FOR THE QUARTER ENDED                  FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                              ------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------------
                                              MARCH 31, 1996   APRIL 2, 1995    1995       1994       1993       1992       1991
                                              ---------------  -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                       (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                           <C>              <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
EARNINGS AVAILABLE FOR FIXED CHARGES
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
 before income taxes........................     $   3,154       $  (1,859)   $   6,514  $ (24,494) $ (73,848) $ (22,358) $   5,059
Fixed charges...............................         3,872           2,669        9,639     13,071     10,039      9,783     12,340
                                                   -------     -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                 $   7,026       $     810    $  16,153  $ (11,423) $ (63,809) $ (12,575) $  17,399
                                                   -------     -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                   -------     -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
FIXED CHARGES
Interest and expense on indebtedness........     $   3,633       $   2,363    $   8,682  $  11,846  $   8,862  $   8,196  $  10,870
One-third of rental expense for operating
 leases.....................................           239             306          957      1,225      1,177      1,587      1,470
                                                   -------     -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                 $   3,872       $   2,669    $   9,639  $  13,071  $  10,039  $   9,783  $  12,340
                                                   -------     -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                   -------     -------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES..........         1.81x            --(a)       1.68x       --(a)      --(a)      --(a)     1.41x
                                                   -------                    ---------                                   ---------
                                                   -------                    ---------                                   ---------
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------
(a) For  the quarter ended April 2, 1995  and the years ended December 31, 1994,
    1993 and  1992,  earnings  were  insufficient  to  cover  fixed  charges  by
    approximately  $1.9 million, $24.5 million, $73.8 million and $22.4 million,
    respectively.
<PAGE>
                                                             EXHIBIT 12
                                                             PAGE 2 OF 2
 
                      HEXCEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
          PRO FORMA COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                                ---------------------------------
                                                                                   FOR THE        FOR THE YEAR
                                                                                QUARTER ENDED         ENDED
                                                                                MARCH 31, 1996  DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                                                                --------------  -----------------
                                                                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                             <C>             <C>
PRO FORMA EARNINGS AVAILABLE FOR FIXED CHARGES
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes.........................    $    3,570       $     1,626
 
Fixed charges.................................................................         6,860            21,823
                                                                                --------------        --------
 
                                                                                  $   10,430       $    23,449
                                                                                --------------        --------
                                                                                --------------        --------
 
PRO FORMA FIXED CHARGES
 
Interest and expense on indebtedness..........................................    $    6,398       $    19,972
 
One-third of rental expense for operating leases..............................           462             1,851
                                                                                --------------        --------
 
                                                                                  $    6,860       $    21,823
                                                                                --------------        --------
                                                                                --------------        --------
 
PRO FORMA RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES..................................         1.52x             1.07x
                                                                                --------------        --------
                                                                                --------------        --------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
                                  EXHIBIT 23.1
<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
    We  consent  to  the  inclusion in  this  Registration  Statement  of Hexcel
Corporation on Form  S-3 of our  report dated  March 1, 1996,  appearing in  the
Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hexcel Corporation for the year ended December 31,
1995 (which report expresses an unqualified opinion on such financial statements
and  includes  explanatory  paragraphs  regarding the  confirmation  of  plan of
reorganization, acquisition of  the Ciba  Composites Business, and  a change  in
accounting  for  income taxes)  and to  the  reference to  us under  the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
 
                                          /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Oakland, California
June 10, 1996

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form S-3 (File No.
333-     ) or our report dated February 26, 1996, on our audits of the financial
statements of the Composite Products Division of Hercules Incorporated.
 
/s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
June 10, 1996

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.3
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form S-3 (File No.
333-     ) of our report dated February 29, 1996, on our audits of the financial
statements of  Ciba  Composites (a  division  of Ciba-Geigy  Limited).  We  also
consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts."
 
/s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Stamford, Connecticut
June 10, 1996


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